Les triplés d'Alexandrie ne nagent plus pour l'Autriche.

Three Greek-born synchronized swimmers, Vasiliki, Eirini, and Anna-Maria Alexandri, have abruptly ended their careers with Austria, choosing instead to return to Greece. The decision has stunned the Austrian swimming community, which had relied heavily on the trio’s success over the past decade. The Alexandri triplets, who once represented Greece before switching allegiance to Austria, competed at the European Championships earlier this year under the Greek flag, winning gold. Their sudden departure marks a dramatic turn in their careers and raises questions about the reasons behind their decision. The Alexandri sisters moved to Austria in 2013 when they were 14 years old, seeking better opportunities to balance education and elite sports training. At the time, they cited the lack of an integrated school system for athletes in Greece as a key factor in their move. Austria offered a more structured environment, including access to a performance center in Maria Enzersdorf, where they trained under coach Albena Mladenova. Over the years, the Alexandris became one of the most successful teams in synchronized swimming, earning 16 medals at world and European championships, including two world titles. Their switch to Austria allowed them to compete internationally under the Austrian flag, contributing significantly to the country’s growing presence in the sport. However, in February of this year, the three announced they would return to Greece, leaving Austria with little warning. The Austrian Swimming Federation expressed surprise and disappointment, with President Arno Pajek telling Der Standard that the athletes' departure was “unsatisfactory” and did not align with the idea of private matters being the reason. The Alexandris had previously explained their move to Austria as necessary to pursue both academic and athletic excellence. They had obtained Austrian citizenship after two years, allowing them to represent the country in major competitions. Yet, despite their success, tensions reportedly grew between the athletes and the Austrian federation. According to multiple interviews with insiders and observers, the Alexandris had sought improved training conditions, including more time in the pool and better support from coaches. These demands may have contributed to a deteriorating relationship with the federation. In contrast, the Greek Swimming Federation issued a detailed explanation for the athletes’ initial departure from Greece in 2012. It claimed the Alexandris had left because they felt disadvantaged compared to athletes who were already citizens of Greece. The federation also suggested the decision was made hastily and emotionally, rather than strategically. However, the athletes had always maintained that their move to Austria was driven by practical considerations, particularly the need for a balanced approach to education and competition. The abrupt nature of the Alexandris’ return to Greece has raised further questions. While the Greek federation welcomed their decision, the Austrian side remains puzzled. Some within the Austrian swimming community believe the athletes might have felt overlooked or undervalued, especially given their contributions to the national team. Others speculate that personal circumstances could have played a role, though these remain unconfirmed. The Alexandris’ departure leaves a void in Austria’s synchronized swimming program. Their absence will likely impact future competitions, particularly in major events where only one representative per country can qualify. For Greece, however, the return of the triplets represents a boost in prestige and potential for future success. The athletes themselves have not publicly elaborated on their motivations beyond stating they wished to return to their roots. As the situation unfolds, the focus shifts to how both federations will adapt to the changes. Austria must now rebuild its competitive edge in the sport, while Greece looks to capitalize on the talents of its former stars. The Alexandris’ journey, from Greece to Austria and back, has become a case study in the complexities of athlete mobility, national representation, and the challenges faced by young athletes navigating the intersection of education and elite sports.