Alexandri Sisters Return to Greece, Ending Austrian Artistic Swimming Dynasty
A significant shift is underway in the world of artistic swimming as the Alexandri sisters – Anna-Maria, Eirini-Marina, and Vasiliki – have announced their departure from the Austrian team, returning to their native Greece. This marks the end of a 14-year period that dramatically transformed Austria’s artistic swimming program.
A Decade of Success
The sisters joined the Austrian program in 2012 and were granted Austrian citizenship in 2014. They have been a cornerstone of the nation’s success in the sport for nearly a decade.
“We are incredibly grateful. Sporthilfe stood by our side for ten years!”
Vasiliki Alexandri
Their achievements include:
- 2 World Championship gold medals
- 7 European Championship medals (including 1 gold) achieved by the duo Anna-Maria/Eirini-Marina
- Vasiliki Alexandri’s individual success: 2x vice world champion and double European champion!
“Humanly a Huge Loss”
The Austrian Sports Aid organization expressed disappointment at the sisters’ decision.
“It is a great shame to lose three such great athletes – both athletically and personally.”
Gernot Uhlir, Sporthilfe boss
The sisters elevated synchronized swimming in Austria to unprecedented levels.
The Alexandri triplets informed all official bodies on Wednesday and were formally discharged from the Austrian Armed Forces on Thursday. They are expected to travel to Greece with their mother in the coming days, where they plan to continue their careers.
“First of all, we would like to express our sincere thanks to the Austrian Federation for everything they have offered us on a sporting, organizational, and moral level,”
The Alexandri Sisters
“The support, opportunities, and conditions they provided have significantly contributed to our athletic development and our training as elite athletes. This experience will always remain an important and valued part of our sporting career. At the same time, however, we believe it is time to return to our roots.”
The Alexandri Sisters
Arno Pajek, president of the Austrian Swimming Federation (OSV), thanked the trio for their dedication and achievements, describing their successes as unique
for Austria, its sponsors, and the federation, and wished them well in their future endeavors.
Looking Ahead
The 28-year-old Alexandri sisters leave behind a legacy of success in Austrian artistic swimming. Anna-Maria and Eirini-Marina are two-time World Champions in duet and four-time World medalists overall. They are also three-time European Champions in duet and seven-time European medalists overall. Most recently, the pair won gold in the technical duet at the World Championships in Singapore and are the reigning European champions in the event.
FAQ
- Where are the Alexandri sisters going? They are returning to their native Greece.
- How long did the sisters compete for Austria? They competed for Austria for 14 years.
- What are some of their major accomplishments? They have won multiple World and European Championship medals, including World Championship gold.
Did you know? Anna-Maria Alexandri also competed in the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics.
The departure of the Alexandri sisters marks the end of an era for Austrian artistic swimming, but their impact on the sport will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
Want to learn more about artistic swimming? Check out the FINA Artistic Swimming website.