Vaggelis Tsirapidis is making a name for himself in long distance swimming, having come first in the Geelong National Open Water Competition in the 5km junior race.
“Now I’m the best in Australia, it’s a really big deal for me,” the 18-year-old told Neos Kosmos.
Tsirapidis also came fourth in the men’s 5km swim, finishing off one of his best performances in the sport.
Despite his great result, the teenager was surprisingly a little disappointed he only had a month in Australia to prepare.
“Probably my preparation wasn’t the best,” he believes.
He launched his own self-funded campaign from Greece last year to travel to Perth for the BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series Competition, and took home third place in his division. His great results have spurred him to make a big change and he’s followed his dream to Australia, where he will live for the next three years.
Now in Melbourne and about to start an economics degree, Tsirapidis is hoping to pursue the sport he loves in a country that loves swimming.
“My swimming career back in Greece was really good, but the economic crisis has really affected the sport,” he reveals.
“Back in Greece it’s not a sport you choose because it’s not that popular.
“I know here in general, swimming is really popular.”
He’s currently swimming at Surrey Park Swimming Club, with Kevin Blum as coach.
While he will continue to train, he’ll have to find a good work life balance as the pressure of studying and working will make an impact.
As his heart lies in open water swimming, the ratio between the three might always tip towards the latter.
