Sokratis Liakos: “Greek Wrestling makes History”

Greek Wrestling continues to make history and go through one of its best periods. The secretary of the technical committee Sokratis Liakos analyzed the competitive developments taking place in the sport of Wrestling. Olympic Qualification, World and European medals and many major events are held in Greece and all this in one year.

Sokratis Liakos did not hide his optimism and admitted that the only thing he is missing is to see a Greek wrestler win an Olympic medal

The interview of Sokratis Liakos in detail

Q: Socrates, Greek Wrestling is going through one of the best periods in its history. The Hellenic Wrestling Federation has already secured its presence at the Olympic Games with Giorgos Kougioumtsidis, while Maria Prevolaraki came one breath away from qualifying for Paris. Many international successes in Olympic Wrestling, as well as non-Olympic events such as Beach Wrestling, Grappling, Chiropractic and MMA. What are these successes due to?

“The successes in all her age categories are great and really follow one another. Greek Wrestling is making history! We are very proud of our athletes and for the strength and stamina they give both in the race and in their daily and non-stop effort during the preparation. They deserve a lot of congratulations to their coaches, who put in a lot of effort, as well as to the Federal coaches. ELOP, despite the reduced grant, tries to be next to all its sportsmen and women every day, supporting them during their preparation as well as in the competitions in which they participate. It is a Federation that gives the present, supports its children and fights for the future of the sport.

Q: How important is it for the Federation and the country to host World Championships and international events in Greece?

The realization of world events and international events in Greece can only give benefits. In the country and tourism for the large number of guests it will welcome. In the economy of the local communities where each event takes place. But mainly it has to offer benefits to the sport and to the acquaintance of young children with it as the promotion that becomes huge. At the same time, however, the development of sports tourism in Greece is important and helps the local community.

Q: As a member of the board and secretary of the technical committee, how happy are you about these successes and what is the next goal?

Through the role that was given to me on the Board of the Federation and the technical committee, I have the honor and the responsibility to confirm what I mentioned above about the role of ELOP in the successes of the last years and the support that we all provide daily to the sport and our athletes . For the successes of our athletes I feel proud and happy as I know firsthand the struggles they fight every day and how great athletes and above all people they are. The next goal is to continue to be there to help and support our children, always looking to the top and being present at every step of the way to it.

Q: There are two World championships that will be held in Loutraki, the World Championship of Veterans Olympic Wrestling and Grappling in October. Is the Federation ready?

ELOP and by extension Greece is all ready for the following World Championships. We have proven it in the past and we will prove it again in the days to come. It is very important for us that the World Federations trust us and that we can have such big events and at the same time strengthen sports tourism.

Q: What is your next goal as secretary of the technical committee?

My goal is to continue fighting essentially for the future of the sport through my role in the committee, operating with solvency, meritocracy, a lot of work and above all with respect towards the sport and our athletes. My big dream is to see Greek wrestlers win Olympic medals in Paris.

Q: In addition to the public affairs of Palis, you decided to deal with the public affairs as well, as you are a candidate for Regional Councilor in Central Macedonia. What is the reason you decided to come down and what are your goals?

I am a man through society, a worker, an athlete, a father. My engagement with the public is a one-way street. Every day I socialize with our fellow citizens and listen to the problems that concern them, that concern US. The difficulties for the future of our children are very great and I could not refuse the honorable offer to be on the ballot of the faction “Change in the Region of Central Macedonia” headed by Yannis Mylopoulos. Through my candidacy and the fight we are fighting, we will actually fight to help and improve the living conditions and resolve the living conditions in our region, which is in so much need.