9 Year old Greek girl, Marianda Lambrou, Crowned Chess Champion of Europe

The 9-year-old Greek student Marianda Lambrou was crowned European champion in the chess competition held in Antalya, Turkey. She managed to stand out among 60 top athletes from 30 countries, climbing to the first step of the podium and making all Greeks proud. In fact, she received her medal and award in an emotional atmosphere holding the Greek flag in her hands.

Marianda has been involved in chess from a young age, specifically since kindergarten, while her younger brother also takes his first steps in the sport.

She is a player of the Sports and Cultural Association “Aigli Papagou” and her coach is Ioannis Panagakos, who characterises his athlete as “a diamond in character”.

In her statements on public television, Marianda claimed that “it was the first time I participated in a pan-European championship. All the athletes were good since they are the best in their countries.”

“I loved chess from the first time I got to know it and continued to do so for a long time,” she added.