Efstratios Nikolaidis

Started: He took up Para athletics in 2008 in Thessaloniki, Greece. (Athlete, 18 Jul 2017) Reason: He played basketball when he was younger but switched to athletics and throwing events because he preferred individual sports. (iefimerida.gr, 02 Jun 2022) Awards: He received a Fourth Place Award at the 2023 Honorary Awards held by the Hellenic Paralympic Committee. The award was in recognition of his fourth-place finish in the men's F20 shot put at the 2023 World Championships in Paris, France. (paralympic.gr, 05 Feb 2024) Additional Info: FINANCIAL ISSUES He works at night so that he has time to train in the afternoons and evenings. "It is very difficult to cope without sponsors, without a manager, or if you do not have financial support from your family. I personally work at night so I can stay in sports. It is not at all easy to work at night, combining work and training. An athlete's life must have discipline and planning to be dedicated to their training and goals. What can I say, I hope at some point a person will be found who believes in me. There have been times when I have said, 'Enough, this can't go on'. It has nothing to do with my age. Nor am I a person who gives up easily. I have been involved in sports since I was a baby and the power of the soul changes results and is very important. On occasions I don't train for a week because of these difficulties, but it seems that I have a great love for sports and I am moving forward." (iefimerida.gr, 02 Jun 2022)