The Greek champion, who competed at the Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympics, had been in a coma since last Tuesday (June 4) at a hospital in Poland, where he was taking part in the Bydgoszcz Cup, after being found unconscious in his hotel room.

The father of two had gone to the event after routine medical tests just days before the competition had shown nothing of concern.

"The federation mourns the loss of Andreas Kiligaridis, his passing has made Greek canoeing poorer," said the Hellenic Canoe-Kayak Federation in a media statement.

"In his race for life unfortunately he did not win, breathing his last breath in a hospital in Poland after a brave battle.

"The federation shares the pain of his family and our thoughts are with them.

"Have a safe journey Andreas."

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