Petros Gaidatzis claimed the European Championship title in the lightweight single scull at the rowing championships in Varese, receiving his gold medal a few hours after the race.
The Paris Olympics bronze medallist went into the final determined to win and took an early lead that he held to the finish.
Bad weather in Varese caused delays of more than two hours to the programme on the final day, prompting organisers to shorten all procedures.
Medal ceremonies were held without national anthems and with crews remaining in their boats. Despite the absence of his national anthem, the moment was no less emotional for Gaidatzis, who added another landmark to his career.
