Siskos: 'I gave my soul for all of Greece – aiming for the 2028 Olympics'

Apostolos Siskos secured a silver medal and set a new national record in the 200m backstroke at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris. The Greek swimmer described the final meters of his race as a moment where he "gave his soul," motivated by the thought of all of Greece and the desire to bring home the country's first medal.

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Indeed, I realized in the last few meters that I was going very fast and I saw the other athletes next to me and I understood that I had to give my soul. I did. I had all of Greece and all the Greeks in my mind and I wanted to bring the first medal for the country. I am very happy for that.

Reflecting on the challenging season, Siskos admitted it was incredibly difficult, particularly the last month due to a minor shoulder injury. Despite this setback, he resolved not to let it affect his performance, having put in extensive work. He expressed that he will fully comprehend his achievement once things calm down.

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It was indeed a very difficult year. I have had an incredibly difficult time, especially the last month, where I also had a small shoulder injury. However, I said I wouldn't let it affect me, even though I was sidelined for a bit. I had worked very hard and when things calm down a bit, I will understand myself what I have achieved.

Looking ahead, Siskos has his sights set on the 2028 Olympic Games. His immediate goals include breaking the 1:53 barrier and surpassing his previous 1:54 time. He intends to use his current success and the silver medal as a stepping stone for the upcoming Olympics, emphasizing his satisfaction with continuous improvement.

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The ambitions are for the 2028 Olympic Games. First, I look at 1:53, which I finally broke from 1:54, and then I look at the silver medal. Because I want to use that for the upcoming Olympic Games too. That there is continuous improvement makes me particularly happy, because what we are doing is paying off.

Siskos also commented on the rising level of competition in swimming. He noted that the times achieved by the fourth-place finisher in Paris would only secure fourth place at the Olympics. This observation underscores the need for constant improvement to remain competitive at the highest international level.

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Okay, the level has risen, here now the 4th place would be on the podium at the Olympic Games. We also have to improve constantly to stay at this level.