In September 2020, an extraordinary act of human strength and compassion unfolded in Greece. A summit for the soul: Where humanity meets the Gods. Marios Giannakou, a renowned endurance athlete known for testing the limits of body and spirit, undertook a unique and deeply moving challenge: to carry a young woman with a disability, named Eleftheria, to the summit of Mount Olympus – Greece’s highest peak and the mythical home of the gods.
Eleftheria, a university student with mobility impairments, had a dream – to stand atop Mount Olympus and see the world from above. It was a dream that, to many, may have seemed impossible given the rugged terrain, the altitude (2,918 metres at Mytikas, the highest point), and the physical demands of the climb. But Marios saw things differently.
When he met Eleftheria, he didn’t see her disability; he saw a person with the same rights as anyone else to experience freedom, awe, and the triumph of nature. He offered to carry her on his back using a specially designed backpack frame, all the way to the summit, across cliffs, narrow paths, and unpredictable weather.
And she said yes.
Marios was not alone. A committed team of professionals – including doctors, mountaineers, and supporters – joined the journey to ensure the safety of both Marios and Eleftheria. But the emotional weight of the challenge rested mainly on Marios’ shoulders, both literally and metaphorically.
With every step, he carried not only Eleftheria but also the weight of a powerful message: that limitations are more often imposed by society and fear than by the body itself.
Eleftheria, though carried, was fully present, feeling the mountain breeze, breathing in the scent of pine, taking in the sweeping views, and smiling.
When they reached the summit, no words were needed. The image of Marios on his knees, exhausted but smiling, with Eleftheria by his side, tearful and gazing into the distance, became a symbol of hope and humanity across Greece and beyond.
A moment of pure humanity.
In May 2023, Marios Giannakou successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest – the highest point on Earth.
This extraordinary feat followed his inspiring ascent of Mount Olympus with Eleftheria in 2020, further highlighting his commitment to pushing human boundaries and advocating for inclusion.
Upon reaching the summit, Marios dedicated his achievement to Greece, to his family, and to all individuals facing their challenges – a testament that, with determination, even the highest peaks can be conquered.
