Emmanouil Karalis

Emmanouil Karalis, widely known as “Manolo,” is one of Greece’s most accomplished contemporary athletes and an Olympic medalist in pole vault. 

Born in Athens on 20 October 1999 to a Greek decathlete father and a Ugandan long-jumper mother, he grew up in an environment deeply connected to sport and athletic excellence. From an early age, Karalis demonstrated exceptional talent and determination, gradually establishing himself among the world’s elite pole vaulters. His international breakthrough was crowned at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he won the bronze medal and secured his place in Greek sporting history.

Karalis has continued to build an impressive international career, earning silver medals at the European Championships in Rome (2024), the European Indoor Championships in Istanbul (2023), and the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing (2025), while also winning gold at the European Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn (2025). 

His performances have been accompanied by record-breaking achievements, including national records of 6.08m outdoors and 6.17m indoors, making him the second best pole vaulter of all time.

Through his athletic career, public presence, and collaborations with leading international brands, he continues to inspire audiences while aiming for new milestones, including future Olympic success.

Beyond competition, Manolo is the creator of “Fly Athens” and "Fly Academy", and he loves golf and wine tasting.