8 March 2023

Interviews with Two Incredible Women

By Dr Elena Limnios

Water Polo is commonly referred to as the hardest Olympic sport. It requires stamina, strength, aerobic fitness and dealing with bodily harm through underwater violence that no other sport can match. It is naturally one of the most male dominated sports. Whilst men have been competing in water polo at the Olympics since 1900, it took 100 years for Women’s water polo to also become an Olympic sport in 2000.

Despite the aggressive nature of the sport they love, Stephania and Ioanna Haralabidis radiate gracefulness as they come out of the pool at Melville Water Polo Club. Their natural beauty complements an athletic, strong body, perfectly balancing athleticism and femininity. Both athletes have represented Greece internationally, Stephania has also represented the USA team and has won nine FINA gold medals, including an Olympic gold.

After a hard game they meet the members of HACCI WA who have come to watch them compete at the Australian Water Polo League. The sisters have dried themselves and put on a simple team t-shirt, no makeup, hair tied back, they are visibly tired and hungry. Stephania and Ioanna skip dinner and give their time to speak with everyone, especially the children. They share their stories, take photos and Stephania allows the children to hold her gold Olympic medal. The humility and sensitivity of these internationally acknowledged athletes is extraordinary.

Water Polo is an aggressive and difficult sport, commonly noted as the hardest of all Olympic sports. What motivated you to pick this sport?

I: We were swimmers before we became water polo players. We wanted to be a part of a team sport and since we were already swimmers, we chose to try out water polo. The moment we began to pass at our first practice, we were hooked.

Water Polo has traditionally been a male dominated sport. How is the sport changing today and what needs to be done?

S: Water Polo has always been a male dominated sport but over the years, women’s water polo has also made some headway. The USA Women’s National Team has something to do with that. We have won three consecutive gold medals which has gotten people's attention. It can be frustrating that men get paid better than women but all we can do is keep on fighting for equal rights and never give up on our goals.

What is the toughest aspect of being an athlete? What was the biggest challenge you had to face?

I: The toughest aspect of being an athlete is financial support and injury. I have had a shoulder injury since I was 18 years old. People tried to convince me to get surgery, take pills to not feel the pain or push through the pain. I did none of those things, I was lucky enough to have a good physical therapist to strengthen my shoulder and tell me when to rest. Taking care of yourself is your number one priority as an athlete, you know your body better than anyone.

S: The toughest aspect of being an athlete is that we do not have enough financial support and the injuries. I have had to face a back injury since I was 21 years old. Being an athlete takes a lot out of you and you have to take care of yourself as much as possible.

Many coaching methods for Water Polo have been influenced by masculine attitudes to pain and injury. What have been your coaches' attitudes towards pushing through pain and injury, and what are your personal views?

I: There are many instances, especially on the national team where the coach pushes you to practice and play while you are in pain. One summer I was training with the Greek national team and my shoulder was hurting so badly that I was unable to lift it. I turned to my coach and doctor and told them of my injury, they tried to convince me to pass with my left arm. I told them the best course of action for me is to get physical therapy. You need to do what is best for you and your health. You need to speak up for yourself.

S: To be the best you have to be able to deal with pain. When it comes to injury you have to take care of yourself because if it is a bad injury that could be the end of your career. Adam Krikorian not only pushes the USA National Team physically but also mentally. You need to be able to deal with the pain and not let it consume you. One day we were doing a lot of passing with weight belts that were 15 pounds. We had to stay in a high position and jump up a lot. My body was hurting so badly that I kept thinking about getting out and just quitting on the post. I was in a lot of pain. All of a sudden, the drill ended, and we moved on to something else. My body recovered quickly, and all the pain went away. Everything has to do with mental strength.

What does it take to become the best in your field? How does becoming an elite athlete change your life?

S: You have to be willing to sacrifice a lot. My sister and I did not have much of a childhood. We committed our time to water polo and school. To be the best you have to be willing to sacrifice everything and commit a hundred percent of your time. I would sit and watch games and other players' shots and I would work on it after practice. If you go to practice and think that is enough, it is not. You have to stay after practice and work on the skills that you would need to get better at. You also have to watch video to improve your skills.

I: To become the best is to want to become the best in your field. Not only did I practice every day, but I also watched games of amazing players and learned from them. It does not matter how many accomplishments or how many years you have played in your sport, you can always improve and become better.

What was the most exciting experience you ever had as an athlete?

S: The most exciting experience I have ever had as an athlete is going to the Tokyo Olympic games. At the opening ceremonies I walked into the stadium and in the moment, I knew that all my sacrifices had been worth it.

I: The most exciting experience I ever had as an athlete was making it on the national team when I was 16 years old. There were many talented righties that were older and more experienced. But I wanted it more and I proved it by giving it my all at every practice. It is important to have goals and fight to achieve them.

Do you have any secret talents? What do you love doing in your personal time?

S: I would say that I have the talent of finishing a book in a day. I love to read. I get caught up in biographies and historical novels. I also enjoy the outdoors.

I: My secret talent is being a good cook. I love reading, writing my journal and being outdoors.

How would your best friends describe you using three words?

I: My best friends would describe me as funny, dependable, and honest.

S: Honest, caring & trustworthy.

Do you have any advice to young people and in particular girls who want to start a career in sports?

S: You have to have patience and be willing to put everything on hold to achieve a career in sports. You have to want it yourself and make goals every day that you can achieve. From the age of nine years old I have wanted to be an Olympic Gold Medalist and I achieved it at the age of 25. You can achieve anything, if you want it badly enough.

J: If you want to start a career in sports you need to make sacrifices. Being an athlete is hard but also rewarding.

Stephania and Ioanna Haralabidis are not just talented athletes, they are smart, highly educated, committed, disciplined young women that have excelled in a male-dominated, violent sport with unique grace and sensitivity.

HACCI WA members attending the event felt very proud to be represented internationally by young talent of this caliber that embody the ancient Greek ideals, morals and ethics. We congratulate and wish Stephania and Ioanna every success in their future.

14 February 2023