“When I’m happy and having fun,
I can achieve great things.”
Emmanouil Karalis on Breaking Records, Mental Health, and His Journey to Success
January 2, 2025Emmanouil Karalis on Breaking Records, Mental Health, and His Journey to Success
January 2, 2025Greek pole vault star Emmanouil Karalis shares his journey from making history by clearing 6 meters to winning Olympic bronze. In this candid interview, he opens up about mental health, his winning mindset, and what keeps him motivated. Plus, find out his favorite PUMA gear, go-to karaoke song, and his big goals for the future. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!
GETTING TO KNOW EMMANOUIL KARALIS FOREVER. FASTER. STYLE.
What is your favorite PUMA product?
Emmanouil: My favorite PUMA product is the Cobra Golf range. But if we’re talking about shoes, I really like the new running shoes, the Deviate. They’re great.
What is your favorite TV show at the moment?
Emmanouil: Right now, I’d say my favorite show is Sprint on Netflix — it keeps it athletic, which is perfect for me!
Which posters did you have on your wall as a teenager?
Emmanouil: As a teenager, I had a poster from the 2012 London Olympics. Back then, my dream was to compete in the Olympics, but I never imagined I’d one day win a medal. Now I’m very proud to say I’ve become my own poster!
What is your go-to karaoke song?
Emmanouil: Oh, that’s a tough one! I’d go with *It’s Raining Men*—a fun classic!
What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?
Emmanouil: On my days off, I love just talking with my family. They’re my support system, and it’s always great to spend quality time with them.
Welcome to our Herzo HQ, Emmanouil! How has your visit been so far, and what has stood out to you the most about our PUMA headquarters?
Emmanouil: This is my first time here, and it’s been incredible. I had the chance to meet so many people and learning about the history of PUMA. The archive was definitely the highlight for me—seeing all the shoes, jerseys, and even signed items was amazing. It was a real privilege, and I hope it won’t be my last visit!
Huge congratulations – you surpassed the 6-meter mark in pole vaulting as the first Greek ever. You cleared 6 meters during the Wanda Diamond League Meeting in Poland this year. What were your thoughts when you realized you did it?
Emmanouil: When I cleared the bar, it was an unbelievable feeling. It was the cherry on top after winning my bronze medal at the Olympics. Breaking the 6-meter mark at such an important moment and breaking it at such a good Meeting like the Diamond League, it was a dream come true. That year was truly special for me—securing the Olympic medal and clearing 6 meters. It’s been an incredible journey!
Let’s reflect a bit further on this year. You won the Olympic bronze medal in Paris, and silver in Rome. What would you say are some of your proudest achievements, both on and off the field?
Emmanouil: On the field, of course, the Olympic Games were a huge highlight—especially from the moment I stepped in until the end. Being selected as the flag bearer was an incredible honor. I also had the chance to connect with so many amazing athletes and make new friends. Off the field, the memories I’ve made with my teammates and family are priceless. These experiences are things I’ll cherish forever and share with my future kids.
In your article on World Athletics, you opened up about your mental health challenges, including a panic attack and depression. How have these experiences shaped your approach to training and competition, and what strategies have helped you maintain your mental well-being?
Emmanouil: After going through this depression, I completely changed my approach. I switched coaches and started working with professionals to help me focus on my mental health. My main priority became being happy in the sport again and understanding why I love it so much. It took time, but I’m in a better place now. I’ve surrounded myself with people who support me, and realized that when I’m happy and having fun, I can achieve great things. So, if you see me smiling on the field, it’s a good sign that I’ll do well!
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the upcoming season, and how do you plan to build on your successes from this year?
Emmanouil: I want to be more consistent with jumping at the highest level, and my goal is to surpass 6 meters again and keep improving. There are three major events coming up: the European indoor, World indoor, and World outdoor championships. I really want to compete in all three and win medals. But ultimately, staying healthy and happy remains my top goal. I’m aiming to continue performing at the highest level and collecting medals from major events.
