Geoff Berkeley, World Aquatics Correspondent
The Alexandri triplets of Austria and Dennis Gonzalez Boneu of Spain have been named as World Aquatics’ Artistic Swimmers of the Year for 2023.
Anna-Maria Alexandri, Eirini-Marina Alexandri and Vasiliki Alexandri have been recognised for their outstanding efforts over the past 12 months.
Dennis Gonzalez Boneu won top men's honours by World Aquatics for his stunning 2023.
In addition to the 2023 top athlete title, the winners of each award receive USD 10,000 with the prizegiving taking place at the Aspire Dome having taken place moments before today’s Mixed Team Free final at the World Aquatics Championships – Doha 2024.
It was a year to remember for the Alexandri sisters, aged 26. as they cemented their names in Austria’s sporting history books.
Anna-Maria and Eirini-Marina combined to capture Women Duet Technical and Women Duet Free gold medals at the 2023 European Games in Poland, sealing an Olympic quote spot for Austria in the process.
The two-time Olympians then became the first Austrian artistic swimmers to win gold at the World Aquatics Championships courtesy of their victory in the Women Duet Free at Fukuoka 2023.
Other highlights for the pair in 2023 included a Women Duet Technical bronze at the Artistic Swimming World Cup in Montpellier.
“To be honoured by World Aquatics is one of the greatest appreciations,” said Eirini-Marina.
“We would like to thank everyone who voted for us.
“This is a great recognition and an honour.
“It really makes us proud and is also very motivating.
“Of course, it also motivates us for the Olympic Games.
“We have big goals there. We want to win an Olympic medal.
“We’ll give it our all.”
Anna-Maria added: “It means a lot to win this award.
“It’s a nice recognition for our hard work.
“I often look at the gold medal from Japan when I’m at home.
“I always get these emotions from the moments on the podium.
“That really gives me a lot of motivation for this year.”
There was also delight in 2023 for Vasiliki who claimed silver in both the Women Solo Technical and Women Solo Free at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka.
This came after a fantastic Artistic Swimming World Cup campaign that included one gold in the Women Solo Technical and two Women Solo Free silvers.
“Last year was absolutely the most successful year for the three of us and we still think about it every day,” said Vasiliki.
“It’s a great memory and it’s nice to be recognised.
“We are very proud of this honour from World Aquatics.
“It really means a lot to us.
“It recognises all the hard work and the great results from last year.
“We are very proud of our family and that all three of us have been able to do this and experience it together.”