I met Dimitris at the airport on the way out to the Bahamas, and like Tyler, Will, and everyone else involved the last attempt, took an instant liking to him. He was a very keen spearfisher, and I remember his face when we told him that spearguns in the Bahamas are illegal, and that he would have to use a spear and launcher. It was a look of shock, as he had never used that system before, as far as I know. In the end it didn't matter, as he figured it out really quickly. So quickly in fact that we nicknamed him "The Greek Ninja" (technically he was from Crete, but he didn't say anything). He showed us pictures on his mobile phone of the rather large fish that he had caught.
I also had the pleasure of being invited by Dimitris to give a presentation with William Winram and Stavros at a conference that Dimitris had organised out in Crete in May. He was a gracious host, and so enthusiastic about spearfishing and freediving and really wanted to promote both sports on the island. I met a good bunch of his friends, all very likeable people and we all had a fantastic time.
We have lost a very kind, considerate and gracious man and the team are all in shock about this. He really will be missed by many, many people, and our condolences go out to his friends and family.
I have put some photos of Dimitris from Long Island, up
here for those that would like to see him.
Mike
