Emmanouíl “Manolo” Karalis, bronze medalist in the pole vault at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has been named one of three finalists for the 2025 World Athletics Fair Play Award.
The nominees were selected in collaboration with the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP), following a public call for submissions highlighting acts of exceptional sportsmanship. Fans can now vote for the winner via World Athletics’ social media channels, with the announcement scheduled for 29 November.
Karalis earned recognition for his exemplary conduct during the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where he actively supported fellow pole vault competitors after missed attempts and encouraged spectators to do the same. He notably celebrated Mondo Duplantis’ record-breaking performance in the event final.
Earlier this season, Karalis also agreed to share a European Indoor Championship gold medal with Menno Vloon, further cementing his reputation for fairness and camaraderie.
The other nominees include John Kerr, who finished the 1500m final despite injury and remained to thank fans, and Tim Van de Velde, the Belgian runner who assisted Carlos San Martín in completing the 3000m steeplechase, even at the risk of missing the final.
The 2025 Fair Play Award winner will be revealed on 29 November, celebrating athletes who exemplify respect, integrity, and sportsmanship in competition.
