Australia’s nine-person tennis team has been crowned the world champions at the Virtus European Summer Games in Krakow, Poland, winning 11 medals: five gold, two silver and four bronze.
The competition was hosted by the International Organisation of Sport for people with a Disability (IOSD) and took place from 16 to 24 July.
Nineteen-year-old international debutant Andriana Petrakis claimed two bronze medals, one in mixed doubles with Mitchell James and the second in the women’s teams’ event with Kelly Wren.
Speaking with The Greek Herald, Andriana described her delight.
“I feel very cheerful with my two bronze medals and that my team won the World Championship in tennis. This makes me also feel proud and a humble leader for Australia,” the Greek Australian said.
When asked what memories stood out from competing in the international tournament, Andriana said: “Making new friends from overseas, representing my country and playing the best tennis at a higher competitive level”.
In recounting how it came to be that she found herself in Poland, the double bronze medalist revealed: “I have been selected for the Australian team 3 times. Once in 2019 but for health reasons I was unable to attend and in 2020 it was cancelled due to covid.”
“Third time lucky, I was selected in 2022 for the Virtus European Games which became my debut in representing Australia. The next international tournament will be the Global Games which will be held from the 4th to 10th of June 2023 at Vichy, France,” she said.
In a message to young people, Andriana said: “keep shining bright, stay positive for successful learning in achieving goals, stay strong, and never give up.”
READ MORE: Andriana Petrakis to make international tennis debut at Virtus European Summer Games
