Petrounias has a degree in communications and marketing from the Athens University of Economics and Business. Besides gymnastics, he practices parkour. He takes part in anti-bullying campaigns, as he was bullied himself when he was child due to his small size.[1]
Career
2011–2012
Petrounias' debut major international medal came when he competed at the 2011 European Championships in Berlin, at the age of 20. During the competition Petrounias won the bronze medal on the rings. He scored 15.675 during the final, behind Konstantin Pluzhnikov (15.850) and Aleksandr Balandin (15.775) of Russia.
In late 2015 Petrounias competed in the 2015 World Championships in Glasgow. He qualified for the rings final in first place, scoring 15.900.[4] During the final, Petrounias won his first World Title on ring with a scored 15.800; You Hao of China was the silver medalist, followed by bronze medalist Liu Yang of China.
Petrounias was the Olympic torch relay originating torchbearer after its ignition at Olympia on 21 April 2016, and he has a further distinction of being the first Greek gymnast selected in modern Olympics torch relay history.[5]
In late 2017 Petrounias competed at the 2017 World Championships in Montreal. Petrounias successfully defended his World title on rings, scoring 15.433 during the final - 0.100 points above Denis Abliazin of Russia, who won silver, and 0.167 points above Liu Yang of China, who won bronze.[7]
At the 2018 World Championships in Doha Petrounias successfully defended his title and earned his third World Championship gold on rings with a score of 15.366. Arthur Zanetti, the 2012 Olympic champion on rings, earned the silver and Marco Lodadio earned bronze.[9]
Petrounias competed at the 2023 World Championships in Antwerp. He won silver on rings, once again sharing a podium with Chinese athletes Liu and You. As the highest ranking athlete on rings not part of a qualified team, Petrounias qualified as an individual to the 2024 Olympic Games.[13]
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