Greek pole vaulter Emmanouíl “Manolo” Karalis delivered a stunning performance at the Balkan Championships in Volos, coming heartbreakingly close to clearing 6.11 meters — a height achieved by only three men in the history of the sport.

In a performance that electrified spectators and confirmed his upward trajectory, Karalis attempted to surpass his own national record of 6.05m. Though the bar came down after he brushed it with his chest, most of his body had already cleared the height — a sign of just how close he is to rewriting the record books.

The young athlete, who will turn 26 this October, is working under the guidance of Polish coach Marcin Szczepański alongside his father. The partnership appears to be unlocking new levels of potential. A video shared on social media by Szczepański captures the near-miss in slow motion, showcasing the technical precision and raw athleticism that define Karalis’ recent performances.

If Karalis had cleared the bar, he would have joined an ultra-exclusive club that includes Armand Duplantis, Renaud Lavillenie, and Sergey Bubka — the only three men to vault over 6.10m. Given his current form, it’s not a matter of if Karalis will join them, but when.

While the breakthrough did not happen this time, all signs point to a major milestone on the horizon — perhaps even at one of the upcoming major international championships. With youth still on his side and momentum building, Manolo Karalis looks poised to etch his name among the all-time greats of pole vaulting.