The Greek Paralympic team departed to London on August 22 and said it would give its best effort, especially after Greece got only two bronze medals at the Olympics there last month, finishing 75th.
Weightlifter Nikos Goudanis from Achaia is among the Greek athletes and said he’s determined to return with a medal hanging on his chest after his letdown in 2008 Beijing Paralympics. “The heart is the most important muscle,” is Goudanis’ motto.
He started training in 2003 following the advice of a close friend. It was only two months later when he won his first Gold medal in the Panhellenic Games in Aridea. Receiving distinctions and breaking world records has dominated his life ever since.
In 2005 he won the Gold Medal at the European Championship in Portugal and ranked sixthat the World Championship in Korea a year later. In 2007 he again ranked first at the European Championship in Kavala maintaining his“throne” But 2008 Beijing Paralympics didn’t prove successful as he finished seventh after suffering some health problems. “I will give my best for my country, my parents and the other members of the Greek team,” he said. He will compete on Sept. 2 with Greeks hoping he can carry the weight of a country.
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