Ioannis Kokkodis, Greek swimmer

Ioannis Kokkodis (Greek: Ιωάννης Κοκκώδης), born on January 8, 1981, is a distinguished retired Greek swimmer whose career spanned multiple Olympic cycles and saw him achieve significant milestones for Greek aquatics. Renowned for his versatility and endurance, Kokkodis emerged as a key figure in a period of resurgence for Greek swimming.

A European Medalist: The 2002 European Aquatics Championships

One of the most notable achievements in Kokkodis's career came at the 2002 European Aquatics Championships held in Berlin, Germany. There, he played a crucial role in securing a bronze medal for Greece in the highly competitive 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay event. This performance underscored his capability on the international stage and contributed to a significant team success for his nation.

Olympic Journey and Historic Achievements

Ioannis Kokkodis proudly represented Greece in three consecutive Summer Olympic Games: Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, and Beijing 2008, showcasing remarkable longevity and commitment to his sport. His participation in multiple Games highlights his consistent presence among the world's elite swimmers for nearly a decade.

The Athens 2004 Olympics: A Homegrown Hero's Peak Performance

The pinnacle of Kokkodis's Olympic career undoubtedly arrived at the 2004 Summer Olympics, held in his native city of Athens, Greece. Competing on home soil, he delivered an exceptional performance in the demanding 400 metre individual medley, where he achieved an impressive sixth-place finish in the final. This was not merely a personal best but a historic moment for Greek swimming. Reaching an Olympic final in swimming was an unprecedented feat for a Greek athlete in over a century, specifically since the inaugural modern Olympic Games held in Athens in 1896. This achievement marked a pivotal turning point, demonstrating Greece's renewed competitiveness in aquatic sports on the global stage after a prolonged period without finalists.

Understanding the 400m Individual Medley

The 400-metre individual medley is widely regarded as one of swimming's most challenging and comprehensive events. It requires a swimmer to execute 100 metres of each of the four competitive strokes in a specific sequence: butterfly, followed by backstroke, then breaststroke, and concluding with freestyle. This discipline demands extraordinary versatility, technical proficiency across all strokes, and superior endurance, making Kokkodis's sixth-place finish a testament to his all-around aquatic prowess.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ioannis Kokkodis

When and where was Ioannis Kokkodis born?

Ioannis Kokkodis was born on January 8, 1981, in Greece.

What was Ioannis Kokkodis's most significant achievement at the European Championships?

He won a bronze medal in the 4 × 200 metre freestyle relay at the 2002 European Aquatics Championships held in Berlin, Germany.

In which Olympic Games did Ioannis Kokkodis compete?

He competed in three Summer Olympic Games: Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, and Beijing 2008.

What was his best Olympic performance, and why was it historically significant?

His best Olympic performance was a sixth-place finish in the 400 metre individual medley at the 2004 Athens Olympics. This was historically significant because it marked the first time in over 100 years that a Greek swimmer had reached an Olympic final, underscoring a resurgence in Greek aquatic sports since the 1896 Athens Games.

What is the 400-metre individual medley?

The 400-metre individual medley is a swimming event where competitors swim 100 metres of each of the four strokes (butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle) in a specific order, showcasing their versatility and endurance.