Filled with dreams and ambitions, the Greek champion, Elisavet Triantafyllidi, with Dionysia Matiou as her duo, is throwing herself into the “battle” of the 3rd Mediterranean Beach Games “Heraklion 2023” in beach volleyball, which starts on Wednesday, September 13th. The daughter of the former player and known as the “King of Sand”, Michalis Triantafillidis, talked about her participation and her goal in the games in Crete.
“I am very happy to compete for my country, representing Greece, The facilities in Karteros are wonderful. This is the fourth time I am coming to Crete this year, having played in competitions in Heraklion, Chania and Agios Nikolaos. In Lasithi we won the title in the final of the national beach volleyball tournament”.
Regarding her goal in the Heraklion games, she emphasized: “Our goal is to do our best. We would like to make the top four and claim a medal. It’s a tough tournament and there are good teams. The level is high, but we will try to give our 100% for a medal.”
She also mentioned her big goal this year which is “to participate in the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024. It is difficult, but not impossible to qualify and live this huge experience”.
Asked about how difficult the preparation conditions are for a beach sport in winter, the Greek champion replied: “Fortunately there is a new effort by the Volleyball Federation with the organization of a winter beach volleyball championship. It is difficult to prepare in winter in a sport that needs sunshine. Fortunately we are in Greece, where the sun shines most days of the year. However, there are indoor facilities in Glyka Nera, Athens, which help us throughout the season.”
“I’ve overcome the “weight” of my name. I’m proud when people say I’m the daughter of Triantafyllidis, but now everyone knows me as Lisa,” she commented about her father and whether the apple fell from the tree or rather from the… filet.
The athlete’s father, Michalis Triantafillidis, is worth mentioning that he was a member of the team that brought Greece the greatest distinction in a European championship, the bronze medal in 1987 (Ghent).
“He didn’t tell me anything before I left Athens to come down to Crete. He probably keeps the secrets of the sport to himself. The truth, no joke, is that he trusts me.”
On the fact that the games are taking place after the devastating floods in Thessalia, she noted: “Unfortunately, like after the tragedy in Mati in 2018, we have to play matches. It has affected us in a psychological way, we are all overwhelmed, It may be a heavy climate, but life goes on and we want to make our compatriots smile again.”
Triantafillidi and Matiou will participate in the tournament that starts on Wednesday (13/9) and will end on September 16th. The premiere at the Karteros Beach Sports Center is scheduled, with qualifying matches, for 10 a.m., in both men’s and women’s events.
