Australian representative Andriana Petrakis is preparing to once again wear the green and gold as she heads to Poland to compete at the European Tennis Championships for athletes with intellectual disability, autism and Down syndrome.
The championships will be held in Bydgoszcz from 5-12 July, with Petrakis departing Australia on 2 July as part of the national team.
The tournament marks another milestone in the young athlete’s international career after first being selected to represent Australia in 2019 at just 16 years of age. Although she was unable to compete at the Global Games in Brisbane that year after contracting chickenpox, Petrakis has since proudly represented Australia on the international stage.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Petrakis said wearing the Australian colours continues to be a privilege.
“It’s a big honour for me to represent my home country again. I feel grateful, delighted, privileged and humbled in putting on the green and gold to compete in tennis,” she told Neos Kosmos.
Petrakis is travelling to Poland with ambitious goals, hoping to add more international success to her growing résumé.
“My goal is to bring home gold medals from this international event held overseas in Poland and I will continue to compete well to the best of my abilities,” she said.
Now based in Findon, South Australia, Petrakis will compete against some of Europe’s best athletes as Australia seeks strong results across the championships.
Her participation highlights Australia’s continued commitment to inclusive sport while showcasing the determination and talent of athletes competing at the highest international level.