Avramidis: 5th at the USLA Championship
He finished crying because of an injury to show that Greece is trying!
Daytona Beach, Florida, USA 8/9-12/2017: International masters lifesaver Dr. Stathis Avramidis moved people when he took part in the American National Lifesaving Championship, aiming to send the message across the Atlantic that efforts are being made in Greece to reduce drownings through legislation and the establishment of competitive lifeguarding.
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The championship was extremely well organized. It cost $150,000 and was supported by in-kind sponsorships. There was an electronic registration desk, a large team of volunteers, sponsor booths, an air-conditioned rest area with 15 chiropractors for athlete recovery, top-notch sound equipment, plenty of photographers and videographers. The hotel was 20 meters from the beach. There was an ambulance, 4 jeeps, motorized ATVs, and other vehicles for moving around on the sand. The beach was guarded by 1 lifeguard every 200 meters (in Greece, according to Presidential Decree 23/2000 from the Ministry of Shipping, the ratio is 1 lifeguard per 600 meters because every Greek lifeguard is 'logically' three times more capable than their American counterpart!). The countless volunteers knew their roles. Despite some minor mistakes, there were no objections or complaints. After half a century of hosting, Americans have managed to organize wonderful events. Greece will need just as long to reach this level.
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| Τερματισμός στη Διάσωση με Σωσίβιο. |
About 1,000 lifesavers from 60 clubs competed in various events in the sea and on the sand (canoeing, paddleboarding, rescues, running). At first, young people competed, followed by adults, including lifesavers from Australia. In the 70+ age category, 7 lifesavers competed. Lifesaver Eli Phillips said, "Do you see them? Some are over 80 years old and still competing. They're seasoned by the sea. They set an example for the younger ones!"
I CAME TO PASS ON A MESSAGE HIGHER THAN MY EGO. I AM GREEK
Abramidis was supported by the lifeguards of the Jacksonville Beach Volunteer Lifesaving Corps (through the mediation of the Greek-American lifeguard Vasilis Pleki) and the Ft. Lauderdale Rescue Team (who knows him from his award at the International Swimming Hall of Fame). American and Australian lifeguards, officials, and members of the organizing committee were happy with the Greek presence, because unfortunately, the 'barren' conditions in our homeland still don’t allow Greek lifeguards to participate in international competitions.
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Start (lane 5) in the event where he injured both legs. |
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The chiropractor tried in vain to straighten Stathis.
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The competition schedule and the fact that he was the only Greek allowed Stathis to participate only in individual events. The events he chose were: 'Flags,' 'Board Race,' '2Km Run,' and 'Run-Swim-Run.' On the first day, the 'Flags' event was to take place. The event was delayed and happened late in the afternoon. Due to dehydration from the intense sun, insufficient carbohydrate intake, and the hours that had passed since warming up, Stathis was immediately out of the competition with severe pain. Later, a strain in both hamstring muscles was diagnosed. That night he couldn’t sleep because of the pain. On the second day, his chiropractor told him, 'I’ll do what I can to straighten you out, but I would recommend not competing to protect yourself.' Avramidis stayed out of the events hoping to take part in at least one event on the last day. On the third day, due to intense prolonged pain with every step at the start of the 2km Run, he abandoned the effort. The second chiropractor, seeing that every attempt to ease his pain only brought him to tears, recommends resting from the competitions. 'I will finish last if I have to, crawling on all fours. I came to deliver a message bigger than my ego. I am Greek,' he replies!
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Avramidis in the starting position for the '2km Race' event (1st from the left).
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Run-Swim-Run: Excerpt from Avramidis' ranking table
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Indeed, the last chance to participate in an individual event was the "Run-Swim-Run." As expected, the race started with intense pain during the running phase. The sand... pure concrete! The other lifeguards rushed ahead. When he hit the water, he felt relief, dragging his feet and relying on the strength of his arms. Stroke after stroke, he caught up to the leading lifeguard, covering a 20m gap. Exiting the water, the pain returns. The opponent overtakes him again in the final meters. The fans see the Greek limping and tearful. They clap and cheer to support him. "Keep going. You are doing well!" He finishes 5th in his age group.
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Avramidis finishes crying from the pain, 5th in his age group in the 'Run-Swim-Run'.
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INTERVIEW WITH PASSION AND LOVE ON 'LIFEGUARD TV'
Although the participation of non-American lifeguards was of no scoring interest, Dr. Avramidis' presence did not go unnoticed. The reporting team from the American network "Lifeguard TV," which covers major lifeguard events (they recently hosted the stars of the movie Baywatch), conducted an extensive interview with the Greek lifeguard and scientist. "From 1900 until today, every half-century, someone tries to establish competitive lifesaving in Greece to save people from drowning. I am the third person to attempt it. I didn’t come to the championship to stand out but to bring the message that we are making an effort in Greece. Through my work at KEELPNO, EOUDΔA, SEFAA-EKPA, and the Ministry of Health, a huge effort is being made to change lifesaving legislation and establish competitive lifesaving," he said. American journalist Shelley Szafraniec told him at the end of the interview: "Wow, after half a century people will remember you as the pioneer of the sport in Greece. Your words show passion and love. It's amazing that we had you here. I hope you make it!"
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Interview of Avramidis with the American journalist, Shelley Szafraniec, from 'Lifeguard TV' |
AWARD OF HONOR AND BOOK OF LIFESAVING SPORT
Foreign lifeguard experts and administrative officials showed keen interest in the work and challenges faced by the Hellenic Lifeguarding Association in establishing sports lifeguarding in Greece and in the hope that KEELPNO will take the lead on issues of water injuries. Their message was 'don't give up,' 'follow those ahead of you,' 'create programs to run all year round,' 'well done'.
The Board of Directors of EOUD decided to award an 'Honorary Recognition' to the President of USLA, Peter Davies. The award was to take place in commemoration of the Greek participation in the National American Lifesaving Championship. 'I convey to you the wishes and thanks of our Federation. The experiences we gained will be used to spread this exciting sport in our own country as well,' said Dr. Avramidis. Davies said: 'Stathi, you have done a great job. Your book is huge and rich. I'm glad you participated in the competitions. It will be a great experience for you. It's important for you to succeed in what you are trying to do in Greece through KEELPNO and EOUD!'
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Awarding the 'In Honorarium' and the academic book 'Lifesaving Sport' to USLA President, Peter Davies.
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EPILOGUE
The impact of the event was multiple. Those who watch videos of lifeguarding competitions and think that they are easy are mistaken. Endless hours of training are needed to avoid injuries and compete at a high level (in Greece, of course, things are still in the early stages and participation is very easy). Imperfections and disagreements exist even in big events. Competitive lifeguarding is extremely exciting and worth spreading by everyone. The athletes competed with passion, but the dominant element was the joy of participation and secondarily winning. A photo and a friendly chat were enough to make them happy! The medal was not an end in itself, showing remarkable maturity. Of the hundreds of contributors to the event (organizing committee, judges, photographers, etc.), only one person was paid! The Americans once started by taking the first step, just like EOUDA is today. Foreigners want Greek lifeguards to take part in competitions abroad. It just remains for the door to officially open, because Stathis Avramidis is Greek but registered as a member of an English organization!
MORE
Photos here.
Videos here.
