Cyprus is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea, but it has produced some of the greatest Olympic athletes in the world. From swimmers to weightlifters, the athletes of Cyprus have achieved impressive Olympic results over the years.
Through their hard work and dedication, they have become some of the most celebrated Olympians in the world.
In this article, we will take a look at the best Olympic athletes that Cyprus has to offer and the incredible achievements that they have accomplished.
1. Pavlos Kontides
Pavlos Kontides is a Cypriot sailor who achieved an Olympic milestone for his country. In 2012, he became the first Cypriot athlete to ever win an Olympic medal by taking home the silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the Men’s Laser class.
His performance was especially impressive, as he was narrowly beaten to the gold medal by the renowned Australian sailor, Tom Slingsby. In recognition of Kontides’ achievement, he was awarded the International Sports Prize World Athlete of the Year award in 2012.
His success has opened the door for other Cypriot athletes to pursue their Olympic dreams and has made him a national hero in his home country.
2. Georgios Achilleos
Georgios Achilleos is an accomplished Cypriot sports shooter who has achieved success on the international stage. He is the current World title and World No.
1 in Skeet Shooting. Achilleos has had a total of four impressive medal-winning performances in the World Championships in Skeet Shooting.
He was also a four-time Olympian, with his most successful appearance being in 2004, where he won a silver medal in the Skeet Shooting event. Achilleos has held the World No.
He has ranked in Skeet Shooting for four consecutive years since 2012, a feat that has earned him much recognition in the sports world.
His accomplishments also include a gold medal at the 2009 European Championships and a bronze medal at the 2011 World Championships. Achilleos has also achieved numerous other accolades throughout his career.
He has been named the National Champion of Cyprus in Skeet Shooting a total of five times and he has achieved several podium finishes at the European Championships.
In addition, Achilleos has been a member of the Cyprus National Team since 2001 and has participated in a number of international competitions.
Overall, Georgios Achilleos is an incredibly talented and successful Cypriot sports shooter who has achieved major success in the world of Skeet Shooting.
His achievements are a testament to his commitment and dedication to the sport and he is an inspiration to all aspiring sports shooters.
3. Apostolos Parellis
Apostolos Parellis is an accomplished Cypriot track and field athlete with a specialty in discus throw. He has had great success in the sport, having achieved the Cypriot national record for discus throw in October 2019 with a distance of 66.32 meters.
This achievement has earned him recognition and respect among the athletics community both domestically and abroad.
Parellis has been competing in the sport for several years and continues to show incredible dedication and discipline as he strives to improve his performance.
His commitment has been rewarded with numerous accolades, including national championship titles and multiple podium finishes in international competitions.
He is also a member of the Cypriot National Team, competing in both individual and team events. In addition, Parellis is also a coach and mentor to many aspiring athletes. He shares his knowledge and experience with those wishing to pursue a track and field career.
In this way, he is helping to ensure that Cypriot athletes can reach their full potential and succeed in the sport.
As the current Cypriot national record holder, Parellis is a role model for the younger generation of athletes and a source of inspiration for those looking to make a mark in the sport.
His dedication and hard work have paid off, and he has set a high bar for future athletes to strive for. He is a true testament to what can be achieved through dedication to the sport.
4. Andri Eleftheriou
Andri Eleftheriou is a Cypriot sports shooter and a member of Cyprus’s women’s national shooting team. She was born in Limassol, a city located in the Mediterranean.
Eleftheriou is a highly accomplished shooter, winning the skeet shooting gold medal at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games.
This accomplishment was a significant milestone in her career and put her on the map as one of the best female shooters in the world.
She has since inspired many aspiring shooters, proving that hard work and dedication can help you achieve your goals.
5. Andreas Cariolou
Andreas Pheobus Kariolou is a highly accomplished athlete from Cyprus. He is a five-time Olympic windsurfer and has competed for the Kyrenia Nautical Club. At the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Kariolou achieved a thirteenth-place finish.
Four years later, he competed again at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and once again placed thirteenth. Unfortunately, this meant that he just missed out on the chance to qualify for the medal race.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the medal race, Kariolou is still a highly successful athlete, having competed in five Olympic games.
6. Marilena Makri
Marilena Makri is a talented sailor from the country of Cyprus. She has competed in many sailing events throughout her career, most recently representing her country at the 2020 Summer Olympics in the Laser Radial event.
This event requires a great deal of skill and endurance, and Marilena was able to make it to the Olympics thanks to her hard work and dedication.
She was among the few Cypriot athletes to compete in the Olympics, and her participation was a source of great pride for her country.
Marilena’s impressive sailing skills have allowed her to make a name for herself in the sailing world, and her Olympic performance has surely encouraged other sailors from Cyprus to strive for excellence and follow in her footsteps.
7. Natasa Lappa
Natasa Lappa is an accomplished and dedicated windsurfer and sailor from Cyprus. She recently represented her country in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, one of only fifteen Cypriot athletes to compete in the Games.
Her performance in the RS:X Women windsurfing event was remarkable, ranking her at 21st place. Natasa is a member of The Limassol Nautical Club, an organization committed to fostering a passion for sailing and windsurfing.
The club is dedicated to helping aspiring athletes like Natasa realize their dreams by promoting the sport and providing resources and training.
Natasa is a great example of how hard work and dedication can help an athlete reach the highest levels of competition.
Her remarkable performance in the Olympic Games is a testament to her passion and dedication to the sport of windsurfing and sailing.
8. Eleni Artymata
Eleni Artymata is a world-class track and field athlete from Cyprus specializing in sprint events. She has achieved tremendous success on the international stage, becoming the first athlete from Cyprus to win a medal at the European Athletics Championships in 2014.
At the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, Artymata won the silver medal in the 400m race, becoming the first athlete from Cyprus to win a medal at the World Championships.
She also holds the Cyprus national record in the 400m and has represented her country in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Artymata is a highly motivated athlete who is dedicated to achieving excellence in her sport.
She is an inspirational role model for aspiring athletes, demonstrating what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
Artymata is a true ambassador for Cyprus, proudly representing her country internationally and inspiring young athletes to pursue their dreams.
Her success has put Cyprus on the map in the track and field world, and she inspires athletes worldwide.
9. Anninos Marcoullides
Anninos Marcoullides is a retired sprinter from Cyprus. He was a specialist in 100 and 200 metre races and was a prominent athlete in his home country.
He represented Cyprus in many international competitions, and his most notable accomplishment came in 1996 when he was chosen to carry the flag for Cyprus at the opening ceremony of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.
This was a great honor for him, as it showed the recognition of his efforts as a former athlete and the pride of his home country.
It was also a great moment for the entire nation of Cyprus, as it showed the world the Cypriot spirit’s strength and their athletes’ immense talent. He was a great inspiration to many, and his legacy lives on today.
10. Antonis Nikolaidis
Antonis Nikolaidis is a highly accomplished sports shooter with British Cypriot roots. He has achieved remarkable success at the ISSF World Cup series, earning seven medals in men’s skeet shooting.
In 1998, he achieved a special accomplishment, as he shared titles in the event with Costas Stratis. This accomplishment is even more impressive considering the immense talent in the sport and the fact that such a feat is rare.
Nikolaidis’ success has inspired many, as he has shown that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. His remarkable career serves as a reminder that individuals from any background can reach success if they put in the effort.
11. Dinos Lefkaritis
Dinos Lefkaritis is an accomplished Cypriot alpine skier who achieved the honor of representing the Republic of Cyprus in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
He was originally asked to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, but unfortunately suffered an injury that prevented him from doing so.
As a result, Constantinos Papamichael was chosen to take his place in the competition. Lefkaritis is an incredibly talented skier and his experience in the 2018 Winter Olympics is a testament to this.
He has put in many years of hard work and dedication to hone his craft and has managed to become an international competitor.
Despite the unfortunate injury that kept him from competing in the 2014 Winter Olympics, he persevered and made it to the 2018 Winter Olympics as a representative of the Republic of Cyprus.
The story of Lefkaritis is an inspiring one and is a reminder of the dedication and hard work needed to achieve great things.
It is also a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and that even if one is faced with a setback, they can still push forward and accomplish their dreams.
12. Karolina Fotiadou
Karolina Fotiadou is a Cypriot alpine skier who has made a name for herself internationally. She has competed in the Winter Olympics three times, representing her home country in 1988, 1992 and 1994.
Fotiadou is a dedicated athlete who has dedicated much of her life to the sport of alpine skiing.
Her accomplishments have earned her recognition in the alpine skiing community and admiration from fans of the sport worldwide.
Fotiadou first competed in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada, where she represented Cyprus in the alpine skiing events.
She continued to train and compete in the sport and was selected to compete again in the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France.
Fotiadou had a successful showing at the games and was selected to compete one last time in the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway.
Despite not earning a medal, Fotiadou was proud to represent her home country on the world stage and was recognized for her dedication and hard work.
Karolina Fotiadou’s efforts have made her a respected figure in the alpine skiing community and beyond.
Her dedication to the sport and representation of her home country have earned her a place in the sport’s history.
She is an inspiration to many young athletes who are looking to make their own mark in the world of alpine skiing.
13. Andreas Vasili
Andreas Vasili is a Cypriot alpine skier representing his country in the Winter Olympic Games. He first competed in the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France, where he raced in the giant slalom and slalom events.
Six years later, he participated in the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, competing once more in the giant slalom and slalom events.
Despite not achieving any remarkable results in either of his Olympic appearances, Andreas Vasili remains an inspiring role model for many skiers in Cyprus due to his dedication to the sport and his willingness to represent his country on an international stage.
14. Christopher Papamichalopoulos
Christopher Papamichalopoulos is an accomplished alpine skier from the country of Cyprus. He was selected to represent his nation at the 2010 Winter Olympics in slalom and giant slalom events.
This was a great honor for Christopher, as he was asked to be the Cypriot team’s flag bearer during the Olympics’ opening ceremony.
This was an especially proud moment for him, as it showed that he was recognized as a leader among his peers and was chosen to lead his nation into the competition.
It is clear that Christopher is an outstanding athlete, and his recognition at the 2010 Winter Olympics is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
15. Marios Georgiou
Marios Georgiou is a highly accomplished Cypriot artistic gymnast. He was the first gymnast from Cyprus to ever win a European title, having secured the 2022 European horizontal bar championship.
In addition, he achieved an impressive milestone in 2019 when he won the bronze medal in the European Championships all-around. This made Georgiou the first gymnast from Cyprus to win a European medal.
His accomplishments have earned him worldwide recognition and admiration, and he serves as an inspiration to aspiring gymnasts. He is a living testament to the fact that hard work and dedication can take one to the highest levels of success.
16. Yeorgios Andreou
Yeorgios Andreou is a competitive athlete from Cyprus. He is best known for participating in the men’s decathlon at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
During the competition, he faced off against athletes from around the world, showcasing his skills and abilities in various events.
These events included the 100 metre dash, the long jump, the shot put, the high jump, the 400 metre race, the 110 metre hurdles, the discus throw, the pole vault, the javelin throw, and the 1500 metre race.
He put in a valiant effort, and although he was unable to medal, his performance was still impressive. He is a role model for aspiring athletes, and his determination and dedication to his sport will continue to inspire many for years to come.
17. Maria Lambrou
Maria Lambrou is a renowned athlete from Cyprus who has achieved significant success in the sport of long jumping. She is well-known by her nickname, Maroula, and her married name, Lambrou-Teloni.
Maria is widely acknowledged as the greatest female athlete in the history of Cypriot sports.
Maria has had a long and successful career in athletics, starting when she was very young. She has established herself as one of the most successful female athletes in the world.
Maria has consistently achieved international success and won numerous medals and accolades throughout her career.
Maria’s achievements include several national titles in long jump, as well as representing Cyprus in the international competitions.
She has also participated in the Olympic Games and the European Championships.
Maria is especially proud of her accomplishments in the European Championships, where she won a silver medal in the long jump in 2012. Maria’s success has been a source of inspiration for many aspiring athletes in Cyprus.
She is well-respected for her hard work and dedication to the sport and is an example of what can be achieved if you put in the effort.
Maria’s contribution to the sport has been recognized both nationally and internationally, and she is an iconic figure in Cypriot sports.
18. Leontia Kallenou
Leontia Kallenou is an accomplished track and field athlete from Cyprus. She specializes in the high jump and has succeeded greatly in her event.
She currently holds the national record for the high jump in both indoor and outdoor competitions in Cyprus.
Her success inspires other high jumpers in the country and has given her great recognition both inside and outside of Cyprus.
Kallenou’s dedication and hard work have been rewarded with numerous awards and honors, including being named the top female track and field athlete in Cyprus in 2020.
She has also represented Cyprus in multiple international competitions, including the European Athletics Championships and the Mediterranean Games. Kallenou is an inspiration to other athletes in Cyprus and beyond.
She has shown that with dedication and hard work, anything is possible. She is a shining example of what can be achieved with passion and determination. Her success is a source of great pride to all Cypriots.
19. Alissa Kallinikou
Alissa Kallinikou is a Cypriot sprinter who has specialized in the 400 meters. She achieved a personal best time of 52.05 seconds at the 2008 Greek National Championships in Athens, Greece.
Her outstanding performance in the event resulted in her being chosen to represent Cyprus at the Olympics.
This remarkable result was a major milestone in her career as it earned her international recognition and was a testament to her dedication and hard work.
Kallinikou’s showing at the Greek National Championships was an impressive feat, considering her competition included some of the world’s top athletes.
She was one of the few athletes who could match their speed and agility.
Her success in the 400 metres event was a testament to the determination and focus she has shown throughout her career.
Kallinikou has been a consistent performer throughout her career and her success at the 2008 Greek National Championships only further cemented her reputation as a top athlete.
Her performance at the Olympics was her crowning achievement, and she showed the world the true potential of a Cypriot sprinter.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Kallinikou also advocates for the importance of education and physical fitness.
She has contributed to the Cypriot youth by encouraging them to pursue their goals and dreams through hard work and dedication. She is an inspirational figure for aspiring athletes in Cyprus and beyond.
20. Anna Fitídou
Anna Fitídou is a talented and accomplished Cypriot pole vaulter. She performed remarkably at the second IAAF Grand Prix meeting held in Thessaloniki, Greece. She achieved a height of 4.30 meters, which was both a national record and a personal best for her.
This is a significant achievement as it shows the strength of Anna’s hard work and dedication to the sport. Anna Fitídou has a long history of success in the pole vault.
She has competed in numerous national and international competitions and has consistently achieved impressive results. Her recent success at the IAAF Grand Prix is further testament to her skill and determination.
With a new personal best and national record, Anna Fitídou has firmly solidified her position as one of the top pole vaulters in the world.
Conclusion
The best Olympic players in Cyprus have proven themselves to be some of the most talented athletes in the world. With their passion and dedication, they have achieved amazing results in every Olympic event they have participated in.
These athletes have become an inspiration for many athletes around the world and have set an example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination.
It is clear that Cyprus has some of the best Olympic players in the world, and they will continue to be a source of pride for the country for many years to come.
