The passing of Kostas Gantzias at the age of 87 has left the Greek athletics community in mourning. Gantzias was a prominent national coach who played a pivotal role in the development and success of many athletes over his long career. His dedication to the sport was not only evident in his coaching but also through his significant contributions to the organization of major athletic events in Greece.

During his tenure, Gantzias was instrumental in the successful organization of numerous international competitions under the auspices of the Greek Athletics Federation (SEGAS), where he served as the technical director for many years. He helped elevate the profile of Greek athletics at international levels, showcasing the talents of Greek athletes through well-executed events.

Gantzias himself was an athlete in the hurdles before transitioning to coaching, where he notably coached George Vavakos, who won a gold medal at the 1979 European Athletics Championships for Youth and Junior categories. The president of SEGAS, Sofia Sakorafa, along with the board members, expressed their condolences to Gantzias's family, honoring his legacy and the memory of a remarkable figure in Greek athletics.