NAME:
STAVROS BALIOTIS

DISCIPLINE:
TRAIL RUNNING

HOMETOWN:
THESSALONIKI, GREECE

CURRENTLY LIVING:
THESSALONIKI, GREECE

BIRTHDATE:
30/08/1975

Short bio, few words that define you as an athlete and as a person:

I love nature and I love trail running. I can’t say I have a busy life outside the sport. I am spending a part of the day up in the mountains, training, alone or with my athletes and the whole rest of it, with my little son, my daughter and my wife. They all do their best to keep me very busy every day, so I don’t really complain.

When did you first start your discipline?

Since a small kid, I think at the age of 5. I began running track field. I think I was quite fast. I liked it. Ever since I remember myself, I have been always running.

What do you most enjoy about your sport?

You are one with the nature. The freedom of heart and spirit. The silence. It is something really hard to find in modern societies and very precious for my peace of mind.

What are your hobbies, profession outside of your sport?

Coaching athletes is my profession, so I can’t say I really have a life outside the athletic environment. When I am not training or I don’t coach, I just try to rest as much as I can and take care of “the daily stuff” at home. My daily program includes running non-stop!

Who or what inspires you?

Life in general. Becoming a better person and the best father I can be, day by day. My family is my biggest inspiration and motivation.

Describe your perfect day:

Waking up very early in the morning and having a long workout with good friends & fellow athletes in the nearby mountains. Returning home, dead tired and dirty, but being welcomed by my kids and my wife like they haven’t seen me for a long time. Spending the rest of the day at ease – with the kids, playing outside & with my wife, relaxing while watching a film or drinking a glass of wine.

Achievements & future projects:

  • Finishes in the big mountain races in Greece and always in the highest places.
  • Many victories both in short distances and in ULTRA races
  • The future plans are many and have a direct relationship with the goals of the athletes since what I am mainly interested in is the daily contact with them as well as their improvement !!!!! In this sense, a clear future goal is my coaching improvement and the coaching crossings of new routes with my athletes !!!!