« Got » the coach of the Olympic Gymnastics
Sadness in the family of Greek gymnastics and in general in Greek sport has been caused by the news of the death of coach Alekos Ioakimidis at the age of 80.
Ioakimidis was initiated into the sport of gymnastics in Kazakhstan, where he grew up as a member of a Greek Pontian family. He settled in Thessaloniki after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and had a very significant contribution to the launch of the sport in our country, as it evolved into the only coach of the instrument that managed to highlight two Greek Olympians and in two different games.
As a coach of Demosthenes Tambakos from 1996 to 2009, he created the first Greek « lord of the rings » by guiding him in all his impressive international successes, culminating in the gold medal at the Athens 2004 Olympics, while he had a 2000th Olympic Games. 2003, bronze in 1999) and four medals in European championships (gold in 2000 and 2004, silver in 2002, bronze in 1998), among others. At the same time, during the period 2001-2002 he was the leader of the National Men.
The beloved to all « grandfather », as his nickname, took over the technical guidance of the specialist and current president of the Hellenic Gymnastics Federation, Vasilis Tsolakidis, who lived a second youth after 30 and his 30th time after his 30th time and his 30th. « London 2012 », as well as a medal in the World Championship (silver in 2011) and two medals in European championships (silver in 2010, bronze in 2011).
Alekos Ioakimidis ‘official departure came in 2016, after a 25 -year -old brilliant course, along with the completion of Tsolakidis’ career. But he never ceased to be close to the younger coaches and athletes, to share his knowledge and to offer his advice until the end of his life.
In their announcement, the Chairman and the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Gymnastics Federation express their deepest sadness and address their condolences to the family and relatives of Alekos Ioakimidis, who will remain unforgettable for his achievements as a coach, but also for the quality of his character and for his character.
