My Modern Day Achilles

My best friend and my twin soul Kosta. He represented Australia in kickboxing but would have to be the most humble and beautiful person I have come across in my life. He has taught me how to love,live life,and the best thing of all BELIEVE! His greatest achievement are his children, his titles, and most importantly his honor and the love he has for humanity and his faith. He has been a influential figure in the world of kickboxing (long before UFC was around) and considered the best in his division. The alias Poison man was chosen for him as he was considered lethal in the ring but also lethal in life as well. Everything that he has achieved to date has been a direct result of love, courage, faith,passion,honor and strength. As a boy he defied all odds of survival. My best friend was a frail child and a significant part of his childhood was in hospital. He was DISABLED in his legs and back he has was determined to make something of his life and conquered everything he set out to achieve both in his sport and working career. With great achievements came vigorous struggles. The Poison Man from a young age endured a broken heart and all he did was train to camouflage the pain and in process made himself strong. His courage can be one measured to our ancient Greek warriors as he has ability and willingness to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty , and intimidation. Through out his life an influential factor of his existence is the faith he has in God. His confidence and trust in God is the essence of his life. The works and teachings of Christianity have shaped Kostas values and morals. Despite the fame and glory he remains to be humble and a very respected member in the community. This was evident with the acknowledgment of multiple awards in his sporting career.The Role of Excellency award was handed to Kosta by Deputy Prime Minister Malcolm Turnball as a token of appreciation from the Prime Minister of Australia Mr John Howard. The poison man has an extreme attachment to not only his place of birth Australia but his mother country Hellas Greece. Being recognized in the Greek hall of fame was a privilege as it was sanctioned by the Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Clergy His worship Stylianos. Shortly after these events a plaque was erected and commemorated by the Mayor in tribute to Kostas at Brighton beach in Sydney. Despite all these amazing achievements Kostas made headlines in the papers and the Poison man once more attained another deed which will be known in time. A nameplate in honor of this man was added to the path of sporting champions at St Mary Mc Killop reserve in Canterbury Sydney. The above mentioned accomplishments will prevail momentarily and in generations to come. He treasures this more than any title or medal. Alas this came to the conclusion of his sporting career. Retiring from Kickboxing the Poison man submerged into a crisis (he spiraled out of control)which resulted in him making life changes. A transformation of oneself and conduct was established when he relocated to Western Australia (from one side of the country to another no friends no family NO ONE. What became of him in Western Australia is a sequence of events full of adventures struggle and prosperity to say the least. The love this man has for Australia increased as he completed his quest in driving around the great land unaccompanied thus finding himself and phenomenons along the way. The occurrence of these incidences helped Kostas through the struggles he faced whilst adjusting to solitary life and the embankment of his painting business. A showcase of good omens have presented themselves through out the his time in Western Australia and that is a result of his high belief in God and spirituality. Kostas passion for existence and vitality comes from within his heart in all areas of his life. My best friend has a dream is to have his story told and to inspire our young generation that anything is possible as long as you have love courage passion strength and HONOR! This is just a very small exhibit of my best friend my soulmate and I am so so proud of him.

Submitted by Anonymous

Courage