The Greeks and Italians of finswimming were the big stars of the second day of the sport at the 3rd Mediterranean Beach Games.
The athletes of both countries were in high spirits and talked about their successes, their dreams and their efforts.
But they were not the only ones to win gold medals. Ognjen Maric also had a special tribute for his mom Tamara, who was celebrating her birthday.
Flash quotes from Friday September 15th:
50 m AP men
“Races of 50 meters are always more difficult than those of 100 and when everything is decided with a difference of one hundredth of a second, obviously luck also plays a role, which was with me today,” emphasized Georgios Panagiotidis, who won his second gold medal in the Games. “Apart from luck, however, the possibilities and the faith you have in yourself play a role. I didn’t want to lose the lead in my house. I’ve won, I’ve already won two gold medals, what else do I want in my life?”
Next to him, Georgios Kaltsoukalas, who won the bronze medal, commented: “Suddenly in the warm-up I felt a pain in my lower back that affected me, but I’m looking ahead. Today one season ends and another begins.”
50m BF men
“When you win a gold medal, you always feel great because your efforts are rewarded. My success is due to the hard training I did in the summer when everyone was on vacation,” said winner Patrick Martin
100m SF women
Vasileia Tsigkoia will leave Heraklion with three gold medals and a Mediterranean Games record, so comments are unnecessary!
“What more could I ask for? I feel great because I achieved something ideal that rewards my effort and dedication to the sport,” she emphasized. “The 100m race is longer and more stressful. Yesterday, concentration and attention to details played a role in my victories, while today my persistence and will counted more. A 100m race requires more training to build success”added.
100m BF women
“There is no better feeling in sports than hearing the national anthem of your country in your own country and even on your island” pointed out Georgia Peraki who comes from Chania.
“This is the first gold medal of my career in an individual event and I honestly find it difficult to put into words my feelings. I really wanted this medal and I was determined because yesterday I missed it for a hundredth of a second”.
200m SF men
“I honestly can’t describe how great I feel right now,” commented Derin Toparlak. “Yesterday I came second and today I was more determined to get the gold medal, which is actually the first of my career in the 200m. I also feel honored because I won a final in which the legend of finswimming, Stefano Figini, who is my idol, also swam.”
400m SF women
“Right now I don’t know what I am more, happy or tired! Of course I’m tired, but I’m more than happy for this gold medal, which is my second at the Games and was also accompanied by a record,” pointed out Silvia Sevignani, who enjoyed the apotheosis of all the members of the Italian delegation.
“There is no doubt that it was my best race of the year and I hope to swim even faster in the future.”
4x50m BF mixed
“Team events are always exciting because they require timing and cooperation,” commented Patrick Martin, a member of the Italian team that won the gold medal.
“We were expecting a tough battle between us and France, but when I finished my own race and saw the French athlete behind me, I was sure we would win, because next was Viola Magogo who I trusted completely and of course she vindicated us.”
200m BF men
Laconic in his statements, but very comprehensive and excited, Ognjen Marić commented with few words his victory.
“Today is my mother Tamara’s birthday and this gold medal is the best gift I could give her. Now I’m going to call her to dedicate it to her.”
