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. 

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Sydney remembers Cyprus’ fight for freedom ahead of National Day anniversary

Cypriot and Greek Australians gathered in solemn remembrance on Sunday, 30 March, for a memorial service marking Cyprus National Day.

Greek Orthodox Community of SA celebrates 204th year of Greek Independence

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia commemorated Greek Independence Day with joyous festivities on Sunday, 30 March.

From alleyway to legacy: Coburg’s Kastoria Lane project gains momentum

Merri-bek City Council has greenlit public consultation for the naming of Kastoria Lane, a project set to transform a neglected alleyway.

Burwood Council celebrates Greek National Day with local community

On Wednesday, March 26, Burwood Council hosted its annual Greek National Day celebrations, marking the 1821 start of Greece's Revolution.

Canberra remembers Greece’s fight for freedom with wreath laying and cultural display

On Sunday, Canberra’s Greek community came together to celebrate one of the biggest celebrations in Greek history, Independence Day.

You May Also Like

Inquest launched into SA police’s ability to stop crash that killed Joanne Shanahan

An inquest has been opened into whether South Australia police had the potential to intercept driver Harrison Kitt before the fatal crash.

Anna Tsoutsa recognised by NSW Government for contribution to public education

School Principal at Auburn Girls High School, Anna Tsoutsa, has been recognised by the NSW Government for contribution to public education.

Miltos Michaelas to depart as CEO of Bank of Sydney

Bank of Sydney has announced that its long-serving CEO, Miltos Michaelas, will be departing the Bank at the end of June 2023.