Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Saluki Swimmer Wins Silver Medal at 2001 Mediterranean Games
09/10/2001 | 12:00:00 | Swimming & Diving
Sept. 10, 2001
TUNIS, Tunisia - Chrysanthos Papachrysanthou, a senior swimmer from Nicosia, Cyprus and a member of SIU's swim team, was the silver medalist in the Men's 50 Meter Free in the 2001 Mediterranean Games in host city Tunis, Tunisia. Papachrysanthou, who was a member of the 2000 Cyprus Olympic Team, was competing as a member of the Cyprus National Team. His time of 23.06 was only topped by Algeria's Salim Iles course record time of 22.86.
"This is a great achievement for Chrysanthos, competing against that level of competition and winning the Silver. Especially when you look at who was competing at the games. Italy, Spain and France all field Olympic caliber swimmers. The team is extremely proud of him." said SIU's Swimming & Diving Head Coach Rick Walker.
The Mediterranean Games, an Olympic style competition, take place every four years and run from September 2 thru September 15. The nations involved are limited to those that have the Mediterranean Sea as a border and include such nations as Turkey, Spain, Greece, France and Italy.
Notes: Papachrysanthou will return to Carbondale later this week to resume classes... Papachrysanthou's silver medal was the highest medal of Cyprus's 3 medals... The first team all MVC in 6 different events in 2000 is expected to help lead the Saluki's Swimming & Diving team in regaining the MVC Championship from last years winner Southwest Missouri State University...SIU opens its Swimming & Diving season at home on Friday October 5 in a dual meet vs. Kansas for the Women and on Saturday October 6 in the Open Water Invitational for the men.
