Greece: The Big Wrap Up
Coach Filikidis and Me.
It’s been five days since I touched down on US soil and I am finally getting my mind and body adjusted to Pacific Standard Time. Here are my notes from the plane trip back and a short video that, despite my limited access to filming, captures the essence of my experience.
Cheers,
Maya
P.S. Thank you WKC for allowing me to video portions of KB Sport Camp!
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Learning from top level coaches from around the world is a priceless opportunity. As I sit here on the ten hour flight from Athens to NYC, I am desperately trying to mentally record every lesson offered by legendary Coaches Pantelis Filikidis and Valery Fedorenko. I was humbled and proud to be the only female lifter in their prestigious International Kettlebell Sport Camp and greatly appreciate them for welcoming me into their man world with open arms—literally.  In addition to their kettlebell greatness, I was honored to learn from WKC Editor Eric Liford, Master Coaches Kevin Jodrey and Slovenia’s Gregor Sobocan; I’ll never forget the generosity of these excellent teachers.
When the plane touched down in Athens a week ago, my cabin neighbor Seth (the sweet young missionary with the cool hairdo) offered to pray for me and I knew at that moment this trip would be a special one. But, even now as I reflect to type this, it’s difficult to put into words how much I was given in Greece—without even asking. People (and animals) offered us random loving kindness at nearly every turn, every meal, every walk, and chance encounter.
…and speaking of animals, this story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the dozens of large stray dogs roaming through the city streets. They seem to enjoy the freedom of living in packs and napping in the sun at leisure, but many of them seem despondent and starved for love. We were amazed at all the residents and city merchants whom care for the dogs with morning leftovers and storefront water bowls, but when a strong thunder and lightning storm hit Loutraki last Wednesday night, we couldn’t help but worry about them.  I know my mom left a piece of her heart with each one (and I think Gregor did too).
As we fly over the glorious snow capped mountains of Northern Italy, my heart is exploding with gratitude.  The WKC has given me so much beyond sport. Things I thought about as a teenager, but was afraid to really dream about as an adult… like studying abroad, meeting strange and genuinely wonderful people across the globe, tasting exotic international foods, and listening to the beautiful sounds of world music, language, and the Aegean & Mediterranean Seas—live and in person!
But, rather than pour over every memory and try to capture with words all the ways this experience affected me, I chose a series of photographs to share with you, which collectively tell my story far better than I ever could.  Please feel free to ask me any questions about the photos in the comments section. I would be happy to elaborate on any of them.
Lastly, I want to thank every participant at KB sport camp. I’ll never forget what you each taught me in training and during our wildly fun times traveling together to and from the gym. I’ll cherish every breakfast, song, coffee, and extended set we shared under the bells.
Wow Maya. Wow.
Quick thought….If you’re going to drill us on wed (tonight) in the fashion of your Greek training, then does it also follow that you’ll be providing turkish coffee and grilled foods?
Les
Thank you for sharing your training and vacation memories. I am a bit excited but nervous about what you will have in store for us after this trip.
Let’s all go out and have some good food tonight!
Maya,
I see you had to differentiate the Seth on your trip from me “The crabby old 6:00 AM boot camper with the balding hairdo.” People might be confused.
Completely, totally amazing! My favorite picture is of Valery and Cona holding up the shirts. Who knew that behind that serious demeanor was such a beautiful smile. Like the IC this is clearly a special community. I hope that one day I too will have the opportunity to learn from these amazing coaches and athletes. Thanks for paving the way Maya and continually inspiring me to follow my dreams!
I am with Leslie….
WOW!!
Maya, you are more amazing with each blog…..I think that every time you share your thoughts, video’s and photos….how can you top this……but I know you will!!!
looking forward to the next time!
xo
Lisa
Thanks for letting us have a peek into this KB world. I’ve said it before….you are a true pioneer. It takes a brave soul to breakthrough, push through, come back for more and then to teach others on top of it.
Rock on ladies (and Seth with the coolest hairdo of them all)! I know lots of families at the IC take “active” vacations like your summer surfing trip every summer Renee. Video stuff for us next time, it would be great to see you guys in action outside of the gym (that goes for all of you). Surya, those guys were celebrating their birthdays in that pic–how cool must that have been for them? …and careful what you wish for girl… next year is just around the corner.
We were fortunate the WKC allowed Maya to video some of the camp. There was a ton of action from the athletes in Greece. I am sure they will release footage shortly. I am learning so much from Maya’s experience btw. The technical subtleties… so much to absorb. Thank you Maya for taking the extra time to document what you could on the trip. It’s pretty cool to see you with the kbs abroad!
Beautiful Maya!! or should i say “omorfi” i believe that is is beautiful in greek! i am so happy that you had this incredible opportunity and even more excited that you can share it with us all…i agree with surya and steve when i say thanks for paving the way and for documenting so much of your adventure it is a true treat for us !! xoxo
Amazing adventure I’m sure! I have some questions:
*Did you like the mud coffee?
*Did the coach play the accordion during long sets?
*Who’s the older gentleman your mother is hugging?
You’ve definitely made me want to go to Greece!!
Hi Boris,
I was not particularly fond of the mud coffee, but there were a few places that made delicious espressos. My mom loved the coffee served in the gym! It is made by Coach Filikidis’ neighbor who is in his 90s (the one you asked about in the photo). He also performed a set on the chair press btw. Coach Filikidis started playing the accordion during my buddy Joe’s set and I was counting for him at the time so I couldn’t just walk away even though I was totally distracted by what was happening. Luckily, Filikidis played a few more songs for us afterward!
I hope to see you there next year!
Hi Maya,
great job. You have showed everything that was going on there, even me talking on phone while driving
Nice job, I hope I will train in Ice Chamber someday!!!
Say hi to your mom
Check out the insane stuff Coach Filikidis has his athlete doing:
Yes – that’s a 80kg (176lb) kettlebell.
That is incredible. Wow, the possabilities.
I’ll stop complaining about the yellow bell now.
Les
You would never think he could do that judging from his body type. It just goes to show that you can get really strong without bulking up.
Beautiful wrap up and fuel to motivate me for today’s training. However, I must add that I am crushed – I thought I had the coolest hairdo.
Love ya,
David