A major sporting event and one of the most important events related to classic sports is the Henley Royal Regatta, the all-rowing event held annually on the River Thames in Henley-on-Thames, England. Historically, its inception dates back to 1839 and differs from the three other regattas that row on roughly the same course, the Henley Women’s Regatta, the Henley Masters Regatta and the Henley Town and Visitors’ Regatta, each of which is a completely separate event. The Regatta runs for six days (Tuesday to Sunday) and finishes on the first weekend in July. The races are knockout races and are held over a 2,112-metre course, attracting international crews competing. The most popular event – and therefore trophy – of the event is the “Grand Challenge Cup” for the men’s eight, which has been awarded since the race was first organised.

In this year’s event there was a Greek color as Apostolos Lycomitros, member of the National Junior Rowing Team -6th in double sculls at the 2021 Junior World Championships- and accepted with 100% scholarship to Harvard, was present in the men’s eight-man race. The young student-athlete excels in both collegiate and athletic athletics, making his presence felt multiple times. Undoubtedly, his successes are recorded by important personalities in the field, but the greatest achievement beyond the personal development of Apostolos Lycomitros, is the sense of pride that he offers by highlighting the Greek identity.