Alexandri Sweeps European Championships: Solo Gold and Duet Gold with Sisters
Gold medal won by Vasiliki Alexandri in the Funchal singles competition
In a spirited display of synchronicity and skill, Greece's Vasiliki Alexandri claimed her second consecutive European Championship solo title in the technical routine. The 27-year-old swam to victory on Thursday at the continental championships in Funchal, scoring a impressive 257.2400 points. In a close second place, Spain's Iris Tio Casas trailed behind with 249.0917 points, while Germany's Klara Bleyer settled for the bronze with 246.9650 points.
Earlier in the week, the other two members of the triplet Alexandri sisters - Anna-Maria and Eirini-Marina - clinched the duet gold.
Double Gold Rush in Funchal
Unexpected setbacks came their way during the previous European Championships in June in Belgrade, where illness prevented Vasiliki and her duet partners from participating. However, in previous editions, their sister had triumphed in the solo free routine. Now, in this Madeira showdown, both the OSV solo and duet were competing only in the technical routine, as their three-month training with coach Takako Nakajima did not allow them to develop a free routine program.
A Victory with a Special Flavor
Despite this setback, their training under the Japanese coach yielded the best possible outcome. "This win means a lot to me," beamed Vasiliki Alexandri. "That we all three got the gold medal is a very special feeling. Especially since this is the first time we've achieved this together." After a short break, they will head to Japan for a training camp, aiming to build upon their recent success.
Scoring just three points less than at her previous European Championship win, Vasiliki swam an impressive new program as "Cleopatra." This marks her fifth European Championship medal in the non-Olympic solo, having previously won two bronzes in 2022 in Rome. She also finishes as the double vice-world champion in 2023 in Fukuoka, Japan.
Gearing Up for the World Championships in Singapore
Post the European Championships, the Alexandri sisters will likely set their sights on the Artistic Swimming World Cup Super Final and the World Championships in Singapore. Both events are significant international competitions, providing a platform to showcase their talents after the European Championships.
Their current focus remains on the duet technical event, but their strategy for future events may adapt based on their performance in the coming months. Learn More
[1] Artistic Swimming World Cup Super Final: This event is crucial for rankings and gaining experience, as it brings together top performers from various stages of the World Cup series.
[2] World Championships in Singapore: This renowned competition offers a chance for Vasiliki and her sisters to test their skills against the world's best teams.
[3] Depending on their strategy and performance in the coming months, the Alexandris may consider participating in additional events.
In the midst of their ongoing preparations, the Alexandri sisters aim to compete in the 'Artistic Swimming World Cup Super Final' and the 'World Championships in Singapore', seeking to further demonstrate their synchronicity and skills on the international stage.
After a successful run in Funchal, they will actively pursue the technical duet event in the upcoming competitions, with potential adaptations in their strategy based on their performance in the coming months.
