Step by step, she has achieved great distinctions, including 8th place at the Tokyo Olympics, two gold medals at the 2022 European Championships, and a bronze at the 2023 World Championships. Just before competing in her third Olympic Games, she will experience a significant honor as a flagbearer. Nearly one billion people are expected to watch the ceremony, and thus her, since the Greek delegation will be the first to enter the Seine, as is customary.
What are your first impressions of the Olympic Village?
It’s very beautiful; the village is huge and colorful. This is my third time at the Olympic Games. The feeling is wonderful, and the weather is nice as well.
I’m looking forward to what’s next!
Then came the moment when it was officially announced on social media that I was selected. Seeing it in writing brought me to tears.
What did you feel when you found out you would be the flagbearer?
When I first saw a photo with my name as a candidate, my heart raced. Given the usual protocol, I didn’t expect it to be my turn. When I saw my name, I thought it must be a prank. Then the official announcement came through on social media, and seeing it confirmed that it was really me brought me to tears. I’m very emotional now, especially at my age (laughs). I’m incredibly happy and excited. I can’t wait for the moment. Being part of the ceremony is a tremendous honor, and being the flagbearer for the first time at the opening ceremony makes it even more special. It’s particularly meaningful because it’s my first time!
Do you need to manage your focus so that the ceremony doesn’t distract you from the upcoming competition?
Yes, I believe it’s essential. I keep each aspect of my experience—training, the competition, and the opening ceremony—completely separate. While the ceremony might be a distraction to some extent, despite my best efforts, I know I’ll be able to refocus immediately afterward. With a few days between events, I’ll fully enjoy and appreciate it all on the afternoon of August 1st.
We hope to see you smiling under the Eiffel Tower after the competition.
I will definitely be smiling under the Eiffel Tower, no matter what happens. For me, as for all the athletes, the Olympics are a special experience. I wouldn’t want to see anyone upset about the results. We should all be incredibly proud to be here.
It’s an achievement that reflects our entire journey. We’ve made it here through tremendous daily effort. So, I believe that everyone here deserves to compete and smile at the end.
Will your family be here, as they are for every competition?
Yes, almost everyone will be here! The only exception is one of my sisters, who has three children and can’t make it, but she would have been here otherwise. They’ll make sure to include her in a video call. Elpida is always present in spirit; she magically knows the results before I finish (laughs).
What is fyi.news?
