Gold rush on Madeira: Alexandri sisters triumph in a technical skill!

Gold rush on Madeira: Alexandri sisters triumph in a technical skill!

The European Synchronous Swimmers' European Championship on Madeira brought a prestigious success for the Alexandri sisters, Anna-Maria and Eirini-Marina. On June 2, 2025, the two sisters secured the gold medal in the technology core with impressive 301,8800 points. In doing so, they prevailed clearly against the Spanish competitors Iris Tio and Meritxell Ferre, who won the silver medal with 282.1017 points. Bronze went to France, which landed just behind the team from Spain, as [vienna.at] reported.

The joy of the Alexandris about her first title after a long time was noticeable. Ten months ago, they achieved the disappointing fourth place at the Olympic Games in Paris. In a remarkable step, the sisters have been coached by the experienced Japanese trainer Takako Nakajima since the end of 2024. Their decision to start only in the technology shorter stands out from the previous competitions, since they will not compete in the free freestyle for the upcoming World Cup in Singapore.

choreographic innovations and strategic planning

In Funchal, the Alexandris presented a new element in their choreography, which earned them particularly good evaluations. This shows that you go into your competitions with innovative ideas. Her sister Vasiliki Alexandri, the third in the group, will also be active on the water if she competed in the solo competition of the technology culstity on Thursday.

The distinction between the disciplines in EM and World Cup competitions is remarkable. While the two categories are counted separately there, they are combined at the Olympic Games. Last year the Alexandris had already won World Cup gold in the free freestyle, which underlines their versatility and strength in both disciplines.

The development of the synchronous swimming

In a larger context, it should be noted that the 2024 Olympics in Paris bring a significant innovation: for the first time, men in synchronized swimming can also take part, but limited to a maximum of two per roller team. This decision shows the change in a sport that was originally dominated by women since their introduction in the 1950s.

synchronized swimming requires a high physical exertion and combines elements from gymnastics, swimming, water polo and dancing. Special figures, arm trains and lifts are required, although the athletes are not allowed to be out of the water for more than ten seconds. A distinction is traditionally made between the free freestyle and the technical freestyle, which prescribes clearly defined elements. This distinction is important, because in the course of competitions the scores from both disciplines are added to determine the allocation of medals, both in the duet and in the team competition.

The Alexandris not only contribute to the current medal situation, but are also part of a steadily developed sport, which has been able to experience numerous changes and progress in recent years. Further developments in the area of ​​synchronous swimming should be followed closely, since they continue to fascinate both the audience and the athletes.