Newsroom
Cyprus is mourning the loss of Maria Aristotelous, a talented and decorated pole vaulter, who passed away after a brave battle with an extremely rare form of cancer. Maria had been diagnosed with metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma, a disease that usually affects muscle tissue in infants and children.
Her death has left her family and the local sporting community heartbroken. Her brother, Apostolos, shared an emotional farewell on social media: “Have a nice journey, my little sister, towards the light. My love for you reaches the sky! Our bond will always unite us. Thank you for everything. Protect us.”
Maria had publicly announced her diagnosis in 2023, explaining how a small lump on her neck eventually led to the discovery of the aggressive disease. She described a grueling journey of tests, repeated negative results, and the determination to keep searching for answers.
“I knew my body better than anyone,” she wrote. “Time and correct diagnosis are very important, no matter how bad the result!”
Even while facing this life-threatening illness, Maria drew strength from her years as a top-level athlete. She compared her fight against cancer to her triumphs in competitions, including the 2017 Balkan Championship and Cyprus’ fifth-place finish at the European Team Championship in Israel.
“In life, it doesn’t matter what comes our way; everyone carries their own cross. What matters is that we smile during the difficult times, enjoy the joys, and arm ourselves with a little extra madness until tomorrow,” she wrote.
Maria credited her family, friends, and medical team as her “strongest strike team,” supporting her every step of the way.
Her courage, optimism, and relentless fighting spirit have left an enduring mark on Cyprus’ sporting community. She is remembered not just for her athletic achievements but for the grace and bravery she showed in the face of one of life’s toughest challenges.
