“Before every race you feel so much fear and anxiety, it’s what scares you but at the same time, it’s also what creates you.”

A day before the National race-championship the wonderful Greek photographer George Stratigis headed runner Alexia Kanaki off to shot this exclusive images for C-Heads. And without hesitation we can say that this strong story left us completely impressed and amazed. We adore so much this expressional beauty of Alexia and the way George captured it. You can feel her will power through every part of her body and through every photograph. And in all the words she told us we can find more of her strength that will make a lasting impression on us for a long time.

“No matter what, you never forget the feeling of the track once you enter the stadium, the smell of the track, the freshly cut grass.The beating of your heart as you cross the field.The tempo of your breathing constantly changing.Your pulse rate as you wait those few seconds for the sound of the gunshot. Before every race you feel so much fear and anxiety, it’s what scares you but at the same time, it’s also what creates you.

I grew up on the island of Rhodes. My father is Greek and my mother South African. I have always had a love for athletics. From a very young age I got into track and field. I was a high jumper – a fairly good one – but gave it up around the age of 16.I was more of a wild soul.Too much of a rebel for track and field. I travelled often to Cape Town and always seeked adventure. I took to other sports such as mountain-biking, cycling, swimming, surfing but I always continued running. My athletics and studies went hand-in-hand. After high school I went to study art at the University of Ioannina. Although I had a great interest in art, I soon left to follow a more career-orientated course. Having had to write the university entrance exams a second time, I got into a business and tourism school in Crete. My first year was spent studying and …basically doing nothing – not even running.  My roommate and closest friend, Sophia, persuaded me to start track with her again “like the old days” she said, as we had both trained at the same stadium in Rhodes. She had mentioned to my coach that she had a roommate  she believed was a runner,even though my past event was high jump. And so they tried me out and my year began. My coaches immediately saw potential in me. My body, build and height were all typical features of a runner but I also had rare and raw talent as they said . My first month was mostly adapting. After that I trained every day. Distance, speed , weights – every day , every week – like all professional athletes. My training,especially hurdles,took a hard toll with many bruises, falls, tears and muscle pains every single day.  But it was worth it. I enjoyed it. Behind every athlete lay many sacrifices that have to be overcome.  One must have a strong will and a lot of determination and I did.The stadium became my home and my team became my family. By my first race  6 months later, no one knew who I was or where I came from other than the fact that I was good.I was immediately ranked in the top 5 in Greece in both 400m and 400m hurdles after my first race.  After that, I raced almost every week.  Come nationals, after 8 months training in total I was in good shape,I felt I could do it.In one weekend, I had 4 races. Everyone fully supported me. On the first day I stepped on the podium winning first place in young adults and fourth in adults, it was an amazing experience being there in front of a huge crowd at the Olympic Stadium, indescribable. The second day was harder as I felt tired from the previous day’s races – your body hits its limits – and in that state the 400m hurdles is no easy task.  I managed to finish 2nd in the young adults category and 3rd in adults. My first time at nationals and I managed to bring home 3 medals as well as a cup. I’m not going to lie, I knew I could do even better as I was in great shape and so did everyone else but I was proud of my achievement. It was more than I’d ever imagined.

I owe everything about my coach. If it weren’t for him I wouldn’t have managed half of it. He is my biggest supporter and motivator. There were always days when I felt like giving up but I’m too stubborn for that. Besides,he wouldn’t have it. Running has always been my “therapy”, my antidepressant. That’s how I get away from everything and everyone. I never imagined I’d end up on the track again after such a long time,and on such good terms. Turns out…everything happens for a reason. If you’re good at something you love never let it go.You could be a champion…I’m not there yet, but damn I’m progressing.

Photo: George Stratigis www.instagram.com/stratigis
Raw Talent: Alexia Kanaki www.facebook.com/cocomisfit

Photo: George Stratigis www.instagram.com/stratigis
Raw Talent: Alexia Kanaki www.facebook.com/cocomisfit