Stamatopoulou-Kenaki on Bwinpor FM: “Only after our successes do we remember and have a demand to find ourselves somewhere!”

Invited to the show ‘Bam and Down’ of BWINSPOR FM 94.6 was the Elena Xenakis and the Ioanna Stamatopoulouthe two major protagonists of the National Women’s Polo Group that conquered the gold medal at the World Track and Athletics Championships.

Talking to Babi Christoglou and Stavros Coarsethey talked about the great course of the team in Singapore, the preparation that preceded it, the difficulties they faced, and the moment they felt confident they could reach the top. At the same time they were reported to the timeless problems facing the sport, with a focus on deficiencies in facilities and support, stressing that most athletes are not professionals and are striving for their love for the pole.

One of the key issues that raised was the Selective recognition of the sport by society and the statewhich – as they emphasized – only appears in moments of success. A typical example was the treatment of national men, who was targeted by Spain’s defeat after the victory over Italy..

Regarding the course of the National Tournament, they noted that the initial defeat at the premiere served as an incentive and not as an obstacle. The team gradually raised its performance, and After the victory over Australia, they firmly believed in conquering the title. The final against Hungary had and emotional chargeas it was an informal rematch for previous matches.

Particular reference was made to the personal sacrifices requiring the high level, with the two athletes describing the difficulties, mental pressure and moments of doubt that accompany the path to the top.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk-g2w3iixy

‘They only remember us in successes’

The two world champions did not hide their annoyance that the sport and the athletes come to the fore only when a great success comes: “It bothers me that only after the successes do we remember us -and they have a demand to find ourselves somewhere. What happened to men after the exclusion was terribly ugly. At one point everyone was celebrating and the other was in the clothespins“, They commented, referring to the case of the National Men.

“The defeat at the premiere of us has stunned us”

Referring to the national course in the tournament, they emphasized: ‘We hadn’t done well in preparation, but playing with the game we were better. After the match with Australia we were sure we would do it. The defeat at the premiere was not ” cuff ”. It stunned us, but it didn’t affect us. And in the final the opponent didn’t care. Against Hungary we got a many years of rematch because of prehistory”

‘The sacrifices are many -and they don’t look’

The two athletes talked about their personal discrimination and the sacrifices needed to reach the top: “To get there it takes a lot of work, a lot of pain, a lot of sacrifices. There are nights you wonder with tears if it’s worth it. It’s harder to stay on top”

‘Dreams’ do not stop’

Finally, they also referred to their personal goals: ‘No athlete ceases to dream. Personal goals never stop. We don’t think of tomorrow, we try to realize today“, They said, stressing that the ceiling of this team has not yet been seen, with a look at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.