Greek swimmer Nikolas Papatheodorou has won gold in the men\u2019s 50m backstroke at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, completing an outstanding campaign with three medals in five days.<\/p>\n Papatheodorou shared first place with Portugal\u2019s Miguel Reis Oliveira after both swimmers clocked 25.69 seconds<\/strong> in a thrilling final.<\/p>\n Belgium\u2019s Billey claimed bronze in 25.91 seconds.<\/p>\n Read more: Nikolaos Papatheodorou Wins Second Medal With Dakar Backstroke Silver<\/p>\n The victory delivered Greece\u2019s first gold medal of the Youth Olympic Games and marked another major achievement for the country\u2019s swimming team.<\/p>\n Three medals in five days<\/strong><\/p>\n Papatheodorou finished the competition with an impressive collection of medals across all three backstroke distances.<\/p>\n His results included:<\/p>\n After securing the title, the Greek swimmer said winning the 50m event had been an important personal goal.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to win this medal. It was very important to me. I had been chasing it from the beginning, but it did not work out in my other two events,\u201d Papatheodorou said.<\/p>\n \u201cI had said I would win it in this event, and I did. I am extremely happy.\u201d<\/p>\n He added that he was pleased with his race and particularly with his finish.<\/p>\n Greece celebrates first gold in Dakar<\/strong><\/p>\n Papatheodorou\u2019s triumph was Greece\u2019s first gold medal at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and its fourth medal overall at the competition.<\/p>\n Swimming has been a major contributor to the Greek team\u2019s medal tally, with Eirini Zervou also winning a medal in the pool.<\/p>\n The medal ceremony was conducted by Spyros Capralos, a member of the International Olympic Committee and president of the European Olympic Committees.<\/p>\n Papatheodorou\u2019s three-medal performance marks an outstanding achievement for the young Greek swimmer and a significant moment for the country\u2019s next generation of sporting talent.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/greekcitytimes.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/kolymbhsh_2-1-1024x576.webp)
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