Greece wrapped up its campaign at the 22nd World Aquatics Championships in Singapore with a respectable showing, reaching three finals in men’s backstroke events, appearing in six semifinals, and setting six new national records. While the team fell short of the breakthrough moment or podium finish, the performance marked a step forward compared to the 2023 Worlds in Fukuoka.
Leading the Greek charge was Olympic silver medallist Apostolos Christou, who added to his already historic resume with finals in both the 100m and 50m backstroke. Although he finished 8th and 6th respectively, Christou now holds the record for the most individual final appearances by a Greek swimmer at World Championships (seven), surpassing Kristian Gkolomeev.
Another standout was 20-year-old Apostolos Siskos, who came into the competition ranked second in the world in the 200m backstroke. He narrowly missed the podium, finishing 5th, but solidified his position among the event’s elite with another finals appearance and remains Greece’s most promising medal hope going forward.
Meanwhile, Georgia Damasioti impressed in the women’s 200m butterfly, finishing 10th and setting a new national record despite not qualifying for the final. Her performance, paired with a strong showing earlier in the European U23 Championships, shows she’s emerging as a serious contender on the international stage.
In the sprints, Anna Ntountounaki and Stergios Bilas both came close to finals. Ntountounaki placed 10th in the 100m butterfly but faltered in the 50m, while Bilas broke the national record twice in the 50m butterfly, finishing 11th. His result is particularly promising ahead of the event’s Olympic debut in 2028.
Veteran swimmer Nora Drakou marked her ninth World Championship appearance with a semifinal finish in the 50m backstroke and yet another national record at age 33, making her the most-capped Greek athlete in aquatic world championships.
Dimitris Markos also had a strong meet, setting a national record in the 200m freestyle and performing solidly across the middle distances, though fatigue caught up with him in the 800m.
However, not all results met expectations. Apostolos Papastamos disappointed in the 400m individual medley, clocking nearly 20 seconds slower than his personal best, a result attributed to recent health issues.
Team Greece’s relay efforts were largely developmental, with the 4x200m freestyle men’s relay finishing 10th and showing potential for future improvement if depth increases.
Looking ahead, the team’s focus now shifts to the 2027 World Championships in Budapest, which will serve as the main Olympic qualifier for Los Angeles 2028. With several rising stars and renewed depth across events, Greece’s swimming program appears on a steady upward trajectory.
Greece at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships
Finals Appearances: 3
Semifinals: 6
National Records Broken: 6
Best Finish: 5th – Apostolos Siskos (200m Backstroke)
Youngest Finalist: Apostolos Siskos, 20
Oldest Competitor: Nora Drakou, 33 (new national record holder in 50m backstroke)
