Ioannis Simponis

Regarded as one of the greatest Greek rowers of all time, Ioannis Simponis began his career in the sport with the Eretos Club when he was 17-years-old. From 1953 to 1966 Simponis won more than 50 national titles, in addition to multiple victories at international competitions, including the World Military Championships and wins as a veteran. In 1955 he won silver in both the coxed fours and eight events at the Mediterranean Games in Barcelona. Five years later Simponis represented Greece at the 1960 Roma Olympics, where he competed in the coxed pairs and coxed fours.

In 1967 Simponis was bestowed with the Golden Cross of the Order of the Phoenix by the King of Greece. That same year he became a rowing coach, working with athletes for the best part of two decades.