Posted on: 22 01 2025.

Mega Stars of World Athletics at the “Gold Meeting” in Belgrade

From a teenager who started training out of curiosity with friends in parks to test his physical limits, to a global mega-star of athletics and one of the greatest long jumpers in history—Greek athlete Miltiadis Tentoglou may well be the best long jumper the world has ever seen. At only 26 years old, he has […]

From a teenager who started training out of curiosity with friends in parks to test his physical limits, to a global mega-star of athletics and one of the greatest long jumpers in history—Greek athlete Miltiadis Tentoglou may well be the best long jumper the world has ever seen. At only 26 years old, he has triumphed in all major competitions in the sport. Since 2017, he has amassed 15 gold medals and two silvers in events he has participated in. His accolades include being a two-time Olympic champion, a two-time indoor world champion, an outdoor world champion, and a multiple-time European champion in both indoor and outdoor competitions.

Tentoglou claimed his first world gold in Belgrade in 2022 at the World Indoor Championships. At that point, his collection already included nine European golds, an Olympic gold, and a Diamond League title. Serbia’s capital was where he first ascended to the global throne, and it is precisely in Belgrade that the golden Greek will kick off his 2025 season, aiming for new medals and records. The main star of the “Gold Belgrade Indoor Meeting,” which will take place on January 29, 2025, in the Athletics Hall in Belgrade, will be none other than Miltiadis Tentoglou.

Did you ever imagine yourself, especially at the start of your career, becoming a name written in golden letters in the history of world athletics?
“No, I believed I would achieve something good, but not at this level where I am now.”

What’s the secret to your success?
“I’m most proud of my gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest because I won it on my final attempt with a great jump of 8.52m, while I was in second place, and my competitor had already jumped 8.50m.”

Was it harder to win gold in Tokyo or defend it in Paris?
“It was harder to win in Tokyo. In Paris, I never felt threatened by anyone. Even if someone had jumped farther, I could have ‘responded.’”

What can we expect from Miltiadis in the 2025 season? Any new records you aim to break?
“Yes, I want to break my personal record and perform well in indoor competitions. I’ll do my best.”

Tentoglou’s return to Belgrade, where he won his first world gold in 2022, brings special joy. Now, he will once again compete in Serbia, a brotherly country to his native Greece. What emotions tie you to Serbia’s capital?
“The World Indoor Championships in Belgrade 2022 is one of my favorite competitions ever. That’s where I achieved my indoor personal best, and the competition was excellent. This time, coming to Belgrade will be my first competition of the season, and I’ll try to achieve something great there.”

What are your plans for the future? Any dreams left to chase?
“My plan is to continue competing at this high level so I won’t regret anything when I retire. I’ve achieved everything I wanted, and now it’s just about improving my results.”

What message would you give to young athletes worldwide?
“To young athletes, I’d say you can achieve your dreams if you work consistently and have a strong mindset.”

If you could go back to the start of your career, would you choose the same path?
“Yes, exactly the same path. I wouldn’t change anything! I’ve always been open-minded and broad in my views, both as a kid and now, and I live my life without regrets.”

What took you from training in the park to a golden place in the history of athletics?
“My first coach, Vagelis Papanikos. He helped me get started and convinced me to continue.”

Are you already aiming for gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics?
“Yes, but that’s far away, and I prefer to focus on what’s ahead of me now,” concluded the holder of all current gold medals in the long jump—from European to World and Olympic Champion, Miltiadis Tentoglou.

🎟️ Tickets for the “Gold Belgrade Indoor Meeting,” scheduled for January 29, 2025, at the Athletics Hall in Belgrade, where fans will witness some of the greatest domestic and international athletics stars, are available at tickets.rs and their website.