U.S. Olympian Added to Gabby Awards Program

Written by Gregory Pappas

Thursday, June 04, 2009 10:29 PM

Greek American Diving Champion Christina Loukas to Present Gabby Award for Athletics

Eleven-time NCAA All American Christina Loukas has been added to the program of the 2009 Gabby Awards on June 19th, joining Oscar winning actors, Fortune 500 Corporate executives and dozens of others, making this the biggest gathering of Greek American talent and success--ever.

Loukas, who will present the Gabby Award for Athletics, is one of the world's most accomplished divers. She has won numerous national and international championships while diving for the Hoosiers at Indiana University.

The Chicago native secured her spot on the 2008 United States Olympic Team by placing first on the three-meter springboard at the U.S. Olympic Team trials. In Beijing she placed ninth in the world amongst dozens of divers representing hundreds of nations at the 2008 Summer Games.

The three-time US National Champion is one of the most successful divers in the school's history--and the nation--and has managed to maintain stellar grades and Dean's List standards throughout her college career, despite a grueling practice and work-out schedule of 6 hours a day-- daily, as well as a full academic schedule.

Growing up in Chicago, Loukas had one of the best seats in the house for Cubs games and probably had athletics ingrained in her psyche at an early age. Her family owns three Wrigleyville rooftops--the famed apartment buildings with rooftop views of Wrigley Field which are fitted with bleachers, buffets and bars. Loukas' family also owns one of Chicago's most famous sports-themed watering holes--The Cubby Bear--in Wrigleyville.

We are honored that Christina has agreed to take time out of her practice schedule to join us at the 2009 Gabby Awards to present the award for Athletics--an area she represents well on the national and global level. Special thanks to her coach who also understands the importance of Christina maintaining and celebrating her Greek heritage at important events such as this one.