Maria Alexiadis OAM: Part-time scientist, part-time Kumite sensei

·

Only one of eight Australian karatekas – one for each division – get the chance to qualify for next month’s Tokyo Olympic Games, but that wasn’t going to stop karate heavyweight Maria Alexiadis OAM from taking her chance. 

“This is the first and likely the last time we will get to show off our sport on an Olympic stage,” she tells the Greek Herald off the back of her Olympic qualifier event in Paris.

“I feel extremely grateful and privileged to be in the position I am in and to be representing my country on the biggest stage for our sport,” she says.

Maria Alexiadis OAM is a Karate Victoria (KV) administrator, coach, and athlete, who says her work in the field of the ancient martial art is inspired by her journey in a male-dominated sport.

“[The Olympic qualifier is] a tall ask for Australian athletes in an amateur sport that is not funded in Australia, but we love what we do and dare to dream,” she says.

“…I feel like I can genuinely make a positive difference to the sport and lives of others.” 

Maria Alexiadis (far right) wins gold at the World Karate Federation’s (WKF) World Senior Championships in 2019 (Source: Supplied)

Maria Alexiadis was recently recognised on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for her 33-year strong run in competitive karate. 

“I honestly kept checking to see if the letter sent by the Governor General’s office was sent to the wrong person,” she recalls.

“To think that people took the time to nominate me for such an award is an altruistic act and an honour,” she says. 

Alexiadis flew to Paris for the Olympic qualifiers just days before receiving an OAM (Instagram @mariaalexi)

Alexiadis is a highly accomplished athlete, awarded for her services to karate on a state, national, and international level, but says it is her Greek heritage which has helped shape her to be the person she is today. 

“I hope that the Greek Australian community are as proud and inspired by my recognition as I am of my Greek heritage,” she says. 

“Greek Australians have done and continue to do a lot of good for this amazing country of ours.”

“May this award continue to inspire and encourage people to work hard, persevere, aspire, and dream.” 

The best of both worlds 

Alexiadis says when she’s not kicking butt on the dojo, she’s researching a rare ovarian cancer at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne’s south-east. 

Maria Alexiadis (far right) is a medical research scientist with a particular research interest in granulose cell tumours (GCT) of the ovaries (Source: Hudson Institute of Medical Research)

Granulosa cell tumours (GCT) of the ovaries are malignant, endocrine tumours – meaning they make and respond to hormones – which slowly develop over time. 

Hormones Australia says around 60 women in Australia will be diagnosed with GCT this year. 

Alexiadis’ work aims to identify the genetic factors which lead to this potentially fatal cancer and says sport and science “both help build stronger, healthier and happier communities”. 

“It isn’t easy balancing it all but I enjoy the different challenges each area brings, the problem solving and helping make a positive impact and difference to people’s lives,” she says. 

She says she hopes she will be remembered for being “kind, brave, compassionate, driven, and ambitious” in 10 years. 

“I hope I’m best remembered as… the person who really believed that impossible is nothing, who ‘walked the talk’, ignored the naysayers, and made a positive impact on the lives of others,” she says. 

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne set for derby showdown at Jubilee Stadium

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne reignite their rivalry at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium for another chapter in the Australian Championship.

Sydney Olympic AGM: Hanlin tackles logo backlash, funding offers and a new direction

Sydney Olympic FC held its AGM on Tuesday, where President Damon Hanlin presented a wide-ranging update on the club’s future direction.

A legacy continued: Celebrating 50 years of the Navarino Society of SA

The 50th anniversary of the Navarino (Pylion) Society of South Australia was marked with a night of pride, nostalgia, and optimism.

Renos Haralambidis reflects on time, art, and the spirit of Hellenism during Sydney visit

Greek filmmaker Renos Haralambidis concluded an insightful and warmly received visit to Sydney, which featured his entire body of work.

Oakleigh Grammar marks OXI Day with heartfelt tributes and student-led performances

With emotion, pride, and deep respect for history, Oakleigh Grammar held its annual celebration for OXI Day on Tuesday, October 28. 

You May Also Like

Associate Professor Socrates Dokos on the ‘strong future’ of biomedical engineering in Australia

Associate Professor Socrates Dokos from UNSW opens up on the ‘strong future’ of biomedical engineering in Australia.

Cumberland City Councillor Steve Christou leads ban on same-sex parenting books

A motion put forward by Cumberland City Councillor Steve Christou to ban same-sex parenting books from Council libraries has passed.

NSW Legislative Council passes motion for Greek genocide education

The NSW Legislative Council passed the motion Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Prevention and Punishment of Genocides.