Antigoni Drisbilioti finished in 22nd place in the 20 kilometers race walk at the Olympic Games taking place in Paris, covering the distance in one hour, 31 minutes, and 33 seconds. She completed the race holding the Greek flag that was given to her in the final meters and spoke visibly moved to the journalists. The Greek champion was in the top 20 from the tenth kilometer of the race and maintained her respectable position in one of the most challenging events of the Olympic Games.
Statement from Antigoni Drisbilioti to APE-MPE:
The crowd made the distance seem small. This is the pleasant part when there are a lot of people; it helps you, it carries you along, it gives you strength, and everything seems less. I was very emotional from the starting line. I couldn’t hold back my tears as I thought, “this is it, the end.” It’s different to know that you will not compete again in the Olympic Games while you can continue. Athletes need to know when to put an end to it. We need to look at real life too.
I know that at this age I can find myself here again, but I can’t aspire to more. After the misfortunes I had this year, I saw my body react and need help, so I believe it is the right time to assist it. There is another life beyond sports, and I think the time has come for me to live it. I have family, I have a husband, I need to be with him because he will… kick me out of the house if I continue!
Good luck to the entire Greek mission, not just the athletics team. I wish Greece to win several medals, but even if it doesn’t, it has won the greatest medal, that of pride. We Greeks know what Olympism means, we know what the Olympic Games mean, and in every step we take, this is evident, as we are all there together and we move forward.
>Was it the ending you dreamed of?
I did not dream of such a beautiful ending. Never. This year, I was gifted many unexpected experiences that I did not anticipate. I am very grateful for the selection in all these privileges that were given to me, like being a flag bearer for the Olympic team. I am very proud that I was able to hold the flag at these Olympic Games. For me, it meant something more due to my age and the fact that this would be my last performance. I will keep all of this in my heart with many emotions.
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