The Greek-Swedish wrestler in Greco-Roman wrestling, Mr. Laocratis Kesidis, competed on August 6, 2022 in the Grand Prix of Germany (Dortmund), in the 97 kg weight class.
He achieved the grand final and was awarded the silver medal.
Previously, he had visited St. George’s Cathedral in Stockholm, invited by the Metropolitan Cleopas of Sweden, and had spoken to the young people of the parish about his races in athletics, his successes and distinctions, emphasizing the importance of the spirit of competitiveness and fair play that should characterize and distinguish the young people.
He had said in a recent interview: “Wrestling is a sport that forms characters. Athletes learn to strive for the best, both in the wrestling ring and in life!”
The Metropolitan of Sweden sent the following message to the distinguished champion: “Congratulations on your distinction in Germany! Our Church in Scandinavia shares with you the silver medal. I wish you to always be distinguished! Metropolitan Cleopas”
Laocratis was inspired by his grandfather, who was crowned champion of Greece in 1963, and he himself, exactly 50 years later, in 2013, was distinguished with the same title.
In 2017 he was ranked 10th worldwide, and in 2022 he was ranked 5th at the European Championship.
