Junior Sports Star: Steven Kokokiris shows grit in state championships
Steven Kokokiris has grit – not even a fractured wrist could hold the young Canterbury swimmer back at the Combined Catholic Colleges state championships earlier this year.
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Steven Kokokiris has grit – not even a fractured wrist could hold the young Canterbury swimmer back at the Combined Catholic Colleges state championships earlier this year.
The 16-year-old shot up and down the pool in the 400m freestyle, enduring “the worst pain ever” to win gold.
This sort of pluck has defined much of Kokokiris’ relationship with swimming.
He first got into the Canterbury pool aged five to help his asthma, but didn’t take to the sport immediately.
“I never liked it,” he said.
“I do like it more now but early mornings aren’t the funnest.”
The long-distance swimmer is up at 5am every morning for training and during school holidays returns for an afternoon session.
But with dedication, comes rewards.
Kokokiris took bronze away from the Pacific School Games and gold from the NSW state age championships after a quick performance in the 1500m freestyle.
In February he competed in the Australian open water championships in Mooloolaba, coming fourth despite never having trained in the ocean.
His sights are set on the 2018 Commonwealth Games, but he’s keeping one eye on his books as he prepares to go into Year 12.
Steven is thelatest nominee for the Junior Sports Star award, sponsored by Rebel.
The other categories are Team Spirit, sponsored by SportsTG, Service to Sport and Young Sporting Spirit, sponsored by Simonds Homes.
To nominate someone you know, go to juniorsportsstar.com.au
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