In an unprecedented moment in its history, Hungary has awarded its highest distinction, the Gold Medal of Honour, to a foreign citizen, twenty-one-year-old Greek kite surfer Anastasios Garipis. The honour recognises his heroic rescue of a Hungarian father and his ten-year-old daughter who were swept away by strong currents while swimming in Epanomi, northern Greece, earlier this summer.
At a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Budapest, Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok presented the award to Garipis, describing his actions as a profound example of courage and humanitarian spirit. The ceremony opened with the Greek national anthem, marking the rare international nature of the event.
Garipis, visibly moved, shared that the sea taught him “freedom is made of responsibility, the responsibility to bring everyone safely to shore.”
Government officials noted that the award symbolised international solidarity and highlighted how acts of heroism transcend borders. Photos: President of Hungary
Spanish kite surfing champion Iset Segura, who also contributed to the rescue effort, received the same medal, becoming the second foreign national to be honoured.
President Sulyok praised both athletes, saying they were deserving of respect “not only for the lives they saved but because they showed their generation, our peoples and everyone what real humanity means,” according to a statement from the Hungarian presidency.
The two Hungarian swimmers, caught in a sudden and powerful current, were struggling as Garipis noticed their distress. Acting immediately, he reached the pair and guided them back to safety. Segura provided support during the rescue.
Segura later stated that “anyone would have done the same,” adding that there is always a moment when humanity reveals itself.
The Hungarian president also shared photos of the ceremony on social media, thanking the young athletes for their bravery.