The struggle at sea has always been tough and relentless. During the 35 years I’ve been struggling, there were many times I’ve been told that I’m not going to make it. I’ve heard the word “no” countless times. Stubbornness has always been a key feature of mine and my deep belief that I’m going to make it despite adverse circumstances ultimately helped me complete my endeavors.

Every race goes through a lot of phases. You never know exactly what’s going to happen: sometimes you have to improvise, sometimes you have to wait, and sometimes you have to step forward, and fight as if the next day didn’t exist, as our ancestors did, who fought against the odds for our freedom.

This is what I cherish from 1821: the courage, the perseverance, the passion, the generosity and the strength of soul of those Greeks. These same virtues can form the basis that our country will build its future on. Together, we can improve the way that our society functions in order to highlight human rights and the value they hold.

Both individually and all together we have a voice: in sport, in science, in culture, and in the arts. Together, we will create better conditions, for today and for the next generations so that, as we celebrate over the next 200 years, there will be a visible line of communication, a line as visible as the torch of the Olympic Games. Let us keep the flame of the truce alive, deterring all kinds of divisions. Let us strengthen our team spirit, as we did with the Greek #ΜeΤoo movement. We’ve moved on together. Not just to win, but to be proud of what we’ve achieved. For the road we’ve traveled. For All.

*Sofia Bekatorou is an Olympic, World, European and National sailing champion.