Greece’s 81-year-old windsurfer Anastasia Gerolymatou has set her sights on entering the Guinness Book of Records by sailing from Skala Kefallonias to Kyllini today Saturday, August 24, on a windsurfing board, covering a distance of 18 nautical miles and proving that age is no obstacle to having a dream.
The athlete, who is an inspiration to all, and her coach, Yiannis Skourogiannis are expecting ideal weather and wind conditions on Saturday and were busy making the final preparations to ensure that the attempt is successful.
“I am confident and I feel strong. There is a strong wind and the weather will be good,” Gerolymatou said before her last training session, speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency radio station “Praktoreio 104.9 FM”. She said she was excited but not at all anxious about the outcome.
Gerolymatou took up windsurfing at 41 and has been sailing the seas of Greece and overseas for the past 40 years.
The passionate athlete says that the experience of sailing alone on the sea is unique. “The vastness of the sea is so sweet, so beautiful. There is so much magic that I cannot describe it,” she said, speaking about encounters with dolphins, whales, the rock formations of the sea.
“The Greek seas have great differences from the rest. On the Atlantic Ocean, you do not see any signs along the route and I considered them wild and …bland seas,” she added.
Supporting her in her attempt are her children, grandchildren, other family members and friends, as well as an experienced team, while her message is that “age is just a number,” provided you have a goal that you believe in and want and are willing to train on a daily basis.
Good luck Anastasia!
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