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Olympian Christina Loukas: “Never Say Never!”

New Greek TV's featured Greek of the Week is Olympic diver Christina Loukas.

The first generation Greek-American is a two-time Olympian and nine-time national champion. Loukas competed in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and won the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials on 3-meter. The athlete has won a myriad of awards at international competitions such as the FINA Diving World Series, World University Games and the Italian Grand Prix, Comunidad de Madrid.

In our interview below, Loukas, whose family originates from Corinth, discusses her athletic career, future plans, Olympic experiences, Hellenic heritage, and more.

Maria Athens: Can you offer us a brief overview of your competitive diving career?

Christina Loukas: I attended Indiana University starting in 2004. By the summer of 2005 I made my first USA national team, where I finished in 6th place on the 1 meter event. As a student-athlete I competed at several World University Games, World Cup, and World Championship events. I redshirted my senior year of college to train solely for the Olympics. I successfully made my first Olympic team by winning the USA Olympic Diving Trials. At the Beijing Olympics I finished in 9th place. I went on to compete my senior year of college and finished my college career by winning the NCAA championships and setting the meet record.

In 2010 I was so burnt out from diving so I decided to take time off. After an 8 month break I ended up moving down to The Woodlands, TX to train with Kenny Armstrong. My first international meet back I finished 4th, my highest finish at a world event. Then in 2012 I qualified for my 2nd Olympic team, where I went on to finish in 8th place. I officially retired after the London Olympic Games.

Maria Athens: As a child, you trained in gymnastics, swimming and diving. What factors led you to focus exclusively on diving at 12-years-old?

Christina Loukas: I made the switch from gymnastics to diving because I was burnt out. I still loved flipping and twisting, so diving was a good alternative for me. When I started to excel in diving I realized I wanted to continue diving in college. This is when I made the decision to focus on just diving.

Maria Athens: Can you describe your experiences, as a two-time Olympian, at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and the 2012 Olympics in London?

Christina Loukas: The Beijing Olympics was incredible. It was my first Olympics and I was in awe of everything and everyone around me. I couldn't believe that I was an Olympian and walking around the village with the best athletes in the world. It was a little overwhelming because part of me thought that I wasn't good enough to compete at that level. My goal that meet was to make finals, which I ended up doing and finishing 9th. I was extremely happy with that performance.

The London Olympics was a little different because I felt like I belonged there. My goal that year wasn't just making another Olympic team. I was there to win a medal. I finished in 8th place, which I wasn't too happy about because I knew it was not my best performance. It was also an emotional moment for me because I knew that was my last diving meet ever.

My favorite part of both Olympics was walking out in the Opening Ceremonies. Since diving is an individual sport, it was an amazing feeling walking as a part of Team USA. I was with all of the best athletes in the country, and we were all there together representing our country.

Maria Athens: What professional and personal feats are you most proud of?

Christina Loukas: I am most proud of making two Olympic Games, especially the second one. Training for my second Olympics was more difficult for me mentally, but I was able to persevere and accomplish my goals.

Maria Athens: What upcoming competitions are you preparing for? Do you have plans to compete in the next Olympic Games?

Christina Loukas: I retired after the London Olympics, and have only been in the pool a few times since then for fun. Right now I have no plans of making a comeback, but I guess you should never say never!

Maria Athens: You come from a family of athletes, how did this influence your own vigorous path?

Christina Loukas: Being from a family of athletes made me very competitive growing up. I have 3 siblings, and we all try to outdo each other. We all loved playing a variety of sports, and I think this was important because at an early age we learned important characteristics like hard work, determination, and goal setting.

Maria Athens: Can you tell us about your Greek-American background? What generation are you? Where did you grow up? Do you speak Greek?

Christina Loukas: I grew up in the north suburbs of Chicago. My father was born in Greece and came to the U.S. with his family at a young age. We are very involved with the Greek Orthodox church. I do not speak Greek, but wish I did!

Maria Athens: Do you travel to the homeland often? Where does your family hail from? Where are some of your favorite spots in Greece?

Christina Loukas: I have been to Greece 4 times now. I wish I could go more often. It is absolutely gorgeous there! My father's family is from Tarsina, which is a small village in Corinth. When I go to Greece I like to visit different islands-there are still so many parts of Greece I need to explore! Any suggestions are welcomed!

Maria Athens: Have you ever represented Greece in diving? Are the Greeks proud of you back in Greece?

Christina Loukas: I have never represented Greece in diving, but I have received support from people back in Greece. Having this support was very humbling. The fact that these people were cheering for me was such an incredible feeling. It made me proud to be Greek and I can't thank them enough for their support.

Maria Athens: Does your ethnicity play a large role in who you are?

Christina Loukas: Growing up Greek definitely had an impact on who I have become. The Greek culture really values family, and my family is a perfect example of that. Looking back at my diving career I know for a fact I never would have been able to accomplish as many things as I did without them. Their continued support gave me the courage to keep striving for my goals. They were with me every step of the way.

Maria Athens: What's next for Christina Loukas?

Christina Loukas: I am currently in my first year of Physical Therapy school at Northwestern University. My goal is to eventually work with elite athletes and help them accomplish their goals.

(Photo Source: USA Diving)

Last modified onSaturday, 07 February 2015 03:59