By BYRON BEERS
Andreas Chatzigiannidis has been active as a swimmer for most of his life.
He has transformed into one of the top swimmers in the state where is currently ranked ninth. The Jenks High School senior standout and captain has been actively involved in swimming for 11 years.
“I first learned to swim when I was three years old and began swimming competitively at seven,” Chatzigiannidis said. “I am now going into my 11th year of competitive swimming, all of which have been at Jenks.”
Chatzigiannidis recorded a pair of championships in his favorite two events on Dec. 10 at a meet in Edmond. He won the 100 yard Butterfly event with a time of 54.75, and captured a title in the 100 yard Breaststroke with a time of 1:01.68.
“The team is looking great so far,” he said. “The bond and energy shared throughout is greater than I have ever seen which has led us to train harder than ever before. Although we have some strong competition this year, we are more willing than ever to work together and fight for the state championship next month.
“Individually, I have enjoyed leading the team this season as captain, and I am happy with my times at this point in the season. I am incredibly excited to see the final results at state. I believe this will be a year for the record books.
“I compete in almost all the high school events throughout the year, but my favorite and strongest event is the 100 Breaststroke with the 100 Butterfly a close second.”
Chatzigiannidis makes strong use of his starts and time spent underwater to gain an advantage.
“My dive and reaction time off the blocks, as well as my underwaters, are some of my greatest strengths,” he said. “Throughout the course of my high school career, I have greatly improved my endurance due to the much greater intensity and larger time commitment of high school swimming compared to middle school.”
Chatzigiannidis is an avid follower of American world record holder Cody Miller.
“Cody Miller has been the most influential pro athlete of my swimming career,” he said. “Through his social media, I have learned many ways to better myself both in and out of the water. I also strive to one day have the work ethic, passion, and discipline that he has for swimming.”
