In 2002, the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) presented Emilios Papathanasiou with the World Fair Play Award, a distinction that became one of the most meaningful moments of his career. This honor was not only about athletic success but about something far greater: the true spirit of sportsmanship and solidarity.
The story behind it has since become a legend in the sailing world
During the decisive and final race of an international sailing championship, the gold medal was to be decided between Emilios Papathanasiou and a Turkish rival. Less than three minutes before the start, the Turkish sailor’s rudder broke, leaving him unable to compete. Realizing the situation, Emilios immediately instructed his coach to hand over his own spare rudder to his opponent — fully aware that by doing so he was risking his own equipment and his chance to race.
At the same time, in ord er to give his rival enough time to replace the damaged rudder, Emilios deliberately crossed the line early (OCS) and even signaled to the other competitors to do the same, provoking a general recall and allowing the Turkish sailor to complete the repair and compete under fair conditions.
This exceptional act of sportsmanship and integrity was internationally recognized as a symbol of Fair Play, demonstrating that true champions honor the spirit of sport above victory itself.
The distinction was awarded by the International Olympic Committee, and the ceremony took place at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, during a major event attended by representatives from 101 countries.
It was a deeply meaningful moment — not only for Emilios personally, but also for his country, and the World Sailing community, symbolizing how true sportsmanship transcends competition and unites athletes across nations.
Today, Emilios believes that same spirit lives on in the Star Sailors League (SSL) a unique international sailing project that unites athletes from over 40 nations, across all colors, cultures, and religions.
“SSL is more than just a competition,” says Emilios. “It’s a way to build bridges between people — to show that sport can unite, not divide.”
For him, sailing is not only a passion but also a force for social change. The SSL, with its innovative team-based format, global media presence, and inclusive philosophy, has the potential to become for sailing what football is for many nations, a sport that connects and inspires people everywhere.
As Papathanasiou explains:
“I truly believe in this project because it gives every country — even those without a long sailing tradition — the chance to be part of something greater. This is the future of sport.”
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