After being introduced to synchronised swimming at just seven years of age, Anastasia Stavrinou quickly developed a passion for being in the water.
“I liked it straight away, because it was swimming and dancing at the same time,” she tells with a laugh.
Although backstroke is a far cry from synchronised swimming, it’s now the 18-year-old’s stroke of choice.
Taking out the number one title against her opponents, the South Oakleigh Secondary student is the representative of the Monash Division in the student swimming championships.
Since migrating to Australia from Greece just four years ago, Anastasia has been steadily building herself a bright future.
Aside from her pursuit of swimming, she is currently completing her VCE studies, with her sights set on attending Monash University to study nursing and emergency health – an interest that was sparked at a 10-day camp near Patra.
“They taught us first aid and the principles of the Red Cross. Then after that I went to many seminars of the Red Cross and I also helped with charities,” she explains.
“That’s my dream – to be able to have the knowledge and be able to help people.”
Her commitment to helping those less fortunate saw her chosen as the 2013 youth representative of the Greek Red Cross for the 58th Annual International Study and Friendship Camp in Austria, Vienna.
Over the 15 days, Anastasia, along with another 24 youth representatives, discussed the topic of ‘Youth acting on conflict by overcoming social barriers’ – an inspiring experience for the then 16-year-old.
Although the swimmer misses her homeland and would one day like to return, for now she says she is more than happy pursuing her many dreams Down Under.
“When year 12 is over I want to start synchronised swimming again. It’s one of my goals for 2016,” she says.