Greek gymnastics champion Eleftherios Petrounias won gold at a World Cup event despite competing with a serious back injury, adding another remarkable chapter to his career.

The 35-year-old rings specialist scored 14.366 points in the final, improving on his previous performance in Baku where he placed second with 14.300, and securing yet another gold medal at the highest level of competition.

Victory under physical strain

Shortly after the competition, Petrounias revealed that he had been dealing with acute lower back pain in the days leading up to the final.

The injury was so severe that his participation had been in doubt. During the event, observers noted that he struggled even to walk after completing his routine.

Despite the pain, he not only competed but delivered a gold-medal performance, underlining his consistency at the elite level even amid recent changes to the sport’s scoring system.

A career defined by resilience

Petrounias’ latest triumph reinforces a long-standing pattern in his career—competing and succeeding despite physical setbacks.

One of the most notable examples came in 2018, when he won gold at the World Championships while dealing with a serious shoulder injury. The condition worsened during the competition, ultimately requiring surgery immediately afterward.

Many athletes might have ended their careers after such an injury, especially given his already extensive record, which included Olympic and world titles. Instead, Petrounias returned to competition and continued to add to his medal collection.

Eyes on future goals

Even at 35, Petrounias remains among the world’s top gymnasts, with his sights set on upcoming major competitions, including the World Championships and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

His latest gold medal—achieved under physically demanding conditions—further cements his status as one of the sport’s most enduring and resilient athletes.