Alexandri sisters win European gold for Greece, overcoming past injustices

Sisters Eirini-Marina and Anna-Maria Alexandri secured the gold medal in the duet technical event at the 38th European Aquatics Championships, marking a triumphant return to representing Greece. This victory adds to their impressive career, as it is their fourth European championship title, with the previous three won while competing for Austria.

The Alexandri sisters, who will both turn 29 in September, spoke of their profound emotions and anticipation for competing again under the Greek flag. Their commitment to representing their homeland was evident, and their passion resonated deeply. Their elder triplet sister, Vasiliki, watched from the stands, proudly holding a Greek flag with tears in her eyes, accompanied by their mother, Artemis Argyropoulou.

Isidoros Kouvelos, president of the Hellenic Olympic Committee and a key figure in facilitating the sisters' return to international competition for Greece, expressed his strong support. "I see them as my own children. Their contribution will be great even when they stop competing," he had stated previously. Kouvelos was present at the event in Paris, underscoring the significance of their achievement.

During the playing of the Greek national anthem at the medal ceremony, Eirini-Marina and Anna-Maria's emotions moved many observers. Forced to compete under the Austrian flag for approximately 14 years, their life choice to return to Greece has been vindicated. They refused to let injustices end their athletic careers, and their connection to their Greek heritage remained strong, as evidenced by their clear recitation of the national anthem.

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I see them as my own children. Their contribution will be great even when they stop competing.