Stefanos Ntouskos, also known as Stefanos "Lighty" Ntouskos (Στέφανος Ντούσκος), is a legendary figure in Greek rowing. He made headlines by unexpectedly winning the men’s single sculls at the Olympics. Since then, he has secured second place in the single sculls at both the 2022 European Championships in Munich and the European Championships in Bled. Despite these achievements, the major victories have eluded him since his Olympic triumph.
However, Ntouskos has all the qualities necessary to emerge as the dark horse and clinch the gold medal in Paris on Saturday. His technical skills and extensive rowing experience, particularly under challenging conditions like those anticipated in Paris, set him apart. Moreover, he brings with him invaluable Olympic final experience from Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, where he demonstrated his ability to win gold at the highest level.
An essential element of Ntouskos' success is his well-connected coach, Gianni Postiglioni. Despite facing suspicions and scrutiny on the internet after Tokyo, which attracted the attention of several investigative journalists, both Ntouskos and Postiglioni remained undeterred. They continued their journey steadfastly, even under intense observation. Insiders are particularly curious about whether blood tests will be conducted in Paris, a hot topic three years ago.
Just as in 2021, Ntouskos showed a measured performance on the first day of the Olympics, rowing competently to qualify for the quarterfinals with a second-place finish, echoing his start in Tokyo. There, he only revealed his full potential in the semifinals. His coach, known for his seasoned expertise in the rowing world, is a significant asset.
Our dark horse is ready, and come Thursday, Ntouskos is poised to display his true capabilities, potentially securing another unexpected triumph.
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