Northern Colorado’s Maria Erokhina Set to Represent Cyprus at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships

GREELEY, Colo. – Maria Erokhina, a junior at Northern Colorado and native of Paphos, Cyprus, will compete on the world stage next month as she represents Cyprus at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Erokhina will swim in the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke events against some of the best swimmers in the world.

The schedule for Erokhina's events is as follows:

100 breaststroke: Heats on Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. MST, semifinals on Dec. 11 at 9:30 a.m. MST, and finals on Dec. 12 at 9:30 a.m. MST.
200 breaststroke: Heats on Dec. 13 at 1 a.m. MST, with finals later that day at 9:30 a.m. MST.

Erokhina, who holds two national records for Cyprus in the 100 breaststroke (1:10.56, 1:10.41), has built an impressive resume during her time at UNC. Her honors include:

2023-24 Den Awards All Bear Team
2023-24 UNC Swimming & Diving Christiansen Award
2022-23 Den Awards Newcomer of the Year
2022-23 Cyprus national champion in three events

She also set national records in the 200 breaststroke (2:30.62) and the 4x100 medley relay (4:15.98). Her personal bests in the pool include a 1:01.52 in the 100 breaststroke and a 2:13.00 in the 200 breaststroke.

"When I found out, I just felt really happy and proud to represent my country on such a big stage," Erokhina said. "Competing at this level has been one of my biggest goals, and I'm thrilled to achieve it."

Erokhina has been preparing for the championship with intense training while maintaining her focus on the NCAA season. A typical week for her includes morning and afternoon swim sessions, along with weight training several times a week.

"Training looks a little different going into every meet, but my main focus is still on our championship meets at the end of the NCAA season," she said. "I'm excited to prep for this meet and take advantage of another opportunity to compete with elite athletes."

UNC head coach Lisa Ebeling praised Erokhina's dedication and perseverance.

"This is something that Maria has worked toward for a long time," Ebeling said. "It's exciting to see her dedication and commitment paying off at such a high level. We are proud to watch her represent Cyprus and the Bears on the big stage."

Looking beyond Budapest, Erokhina has her sights set on the Olympics and other major international competitions.

"My biggest dream has always been the Olympics," she said. "I work hard every day with that motivation and look forward to the opportunities ahead."

Erokhina expressed gratitude for the support she has received throughout her journey.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported me—my family, friends, teammates, coaches, and everyone else who has been part of my journey," she said. "I'll do my best to make Cyprus and all my supporters proud."

Northern Colorado and fans around the globe will be cheering Erokhina on as she competes in Budapest.