Embracing Values: A Classroom Encounter with Olympian Pyrros Dimas

By Dr. Nikolaos Dimitriadis, Professor of World Religions, ΑCT (American College of Thessaloniki) 

“During the Spring I semester, I was teaching the course of Ancient Greek Religion and Mythology. We ‘ve been discussing the myths and religion also in terms of their endurance and relevance in the contemporary world, but mostly on the values that the Ancient Greeks left to the whole world as a legacy. In this last class I have had the privilege to present to our students Mr. Pyrros Dimas, an athlete widely considered as one of the greatest weightlifters of all time, having been three times Olympic Gold Medalist and recently elected President of the Mediterranean Weightlifting Confederation (MWC). 

The presence of a gold medal-winning Olympian to our classroom focused on values was nothing short of inspiring. With a humble smile, he shared his life journey so far, not just of his athletic achievements, but of resilience, discipline, and dedication. With eyes filled with awe and admiration, the students listened intently as Mr. Dimas shared his inspiring journey, answering their questions and emphasizing the importance of perseverance, integrity, and respect in both sports and life. His words resonated deeply, illustrating how the pursuit of excellence is not merely about winning medals but about the character forged through dedication and discipline. In that moment, the classroom was transformed into a sanctuary of aspiration, where dreams were nurtured and the significance of values was vividly demonstrated by a true exemplar. 

Thank you Pyrro! You made us proud once again!”