Emmanouil Karalis delivered an outstanding performance at the international indoor athletics meeting held in Lieven, France, where he became the first athlete to surpass the 6-meter mark in 2026. His event started at a height of 5.70 meters, which he cleared effortlessly, moving on to clear 5.80 meters and 5.90 meters on his first attempts, showcasing his exceptional skill and confidence on the track.

His main competitors, Norwegian Sondre Guttormsen and American Zachary Bradford, also cleared 5.90 meters, leading to the bar being raised to 6 meters for the final jumps. In a show of dominance, Karalis successfully cleared the 6-meter height on his first attempt, while his opponents failed to do so. This victory not only secured him first place but also established the highest performance recorded globally for 2026 so far.

Karalis's achievement is significant not just for personal accolades but also boosts Greece's reputation in the athletics field, particularly in pole vaulting. His feat is anticipated to inspire future athletes and enhance the focus on this sport in Greece, especially as they look forward to international competitions ahead.