Greek twins top 2026 Panhellenic exams after two‑month health crisis

Giannis and Stavros Papadatos, twin brothers from Vounargo in the municipality of Pyrgos, Ilia, achieved among the highest scores in the 2026 Panhellenic examinations despite a severe health problem that immobilised them for over two months. The illness, which they say was likely a norovirus, began with gastroenteritis symptoms and progressed to knee arthritis, leaving them unable to walk; Stavros was even hospitalized. As Giannis recalled, "Δεν μπορούσαμε να σταθούμε στα πόδια μας για περίπου δύο μήνες".

While bedridden, the twins continued their studies together, supported by teachers who provided remote lessons and moved their classroom to the ground floor to avoid stairs. They also received continuous psychological encouragement and benefited from participation in the school volleyball team, which aided their physical and mental recovery. Their perseverance paid off: Giannis scored 19,580 points and Stavros 19,340, placing them among the year’s top performers and qualifying them for admission to the Electrical Engineering program at the University of Patras.

The story highlights the role of family, school support, and personal determination in overcoming health adversity to achieve academic excellence.