Two-time European Champion race walker Antigoni NTRISMPIOTI
, the first Greek athlete to land a gold double medal in a single athletics event, visited the Greek Centre on Friday, 10 February, where she was given a warm welcome by the President of the Greek Community of Melbourne Bill Papastergiadis, OAM and fellow members of the Board.
Also on hand to greet the superstar athlete was Dr Nick Dallas (Education Chair + Finance Committees + Seminars + Hellenic Chair at the University of Melbourne) and Leonidas Vlahakis (Community Outreach + Cultural Programs Chair).
The President of the GCM, Bill Papastergiadis OAM, expressed his admiration for Ntrismpioti’s achievements and presented her with a community plaque to acknowledge her visit.
“It is a great honour to have Antigoni with us at the Greek Centre.
“Antigoni is one of Greece’s great athletes, and her Greek spirit has shown greatly through her athletic achievements. We want her to know that The GCM is by her side and supports her. We wish her success in her upcoming race on Saturday, and we invite all the Greeks in Melbourne to come to Fawkner Park and support her.”
Dr Nick Dallas also stated, “The Greek Community of Melbourne was honoured to host Karditsa-born Greek athlete and race walkerAntigoni Drisbioti this morning.
“In the 2022 European Championships, Antigoni finished first in both the 20 kilometre and 35 kilometre races.
38-year-old Antigoni Drisbiotis is currently in Melbourne to take part in the Chemist Warehouse Australian 20 Kilometre Race Walk Championships at Fawkner Park, South Yarra, this Sunday, as part of her preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“We encourage everyone to come to support this great athlete, and we wish her every success,” said Dallas.
Antigoni was also received by Christina Soumi (Teacher and Education officer- GCM’s Language and Culture School), who, on behalf of the GCM, gave her a didgeridoo and provided an insight into the history and significance of the instrument for the Aboriginal community.
The Chemist Warehouse Australian Race Walk Championships will take place at Fawkner Park, South Yarra, this Sunday 12 February at 7 am – 9 am.
Read also Huge Greek Summer Festival with Gogo Tsampa Live and 100 Stalls – Coming this Sunday
