Newsroom
Cyprus is celebrating once again as Olympic sailor Pavlos Kontides has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the World Sailing rankings for the Laser (ILCA7) class, the Cyprus Sports Organization (KOA) announced today.
Kontides’ rise to the top comes after an impressive run of results in 2025, including a silver medal at the World Championship and a bronze medal at the Los Angeles Grand Slam. This marks the fifth time in his illustrious career that he has held the top ranking, returning to the position after a 28-month absence.
KOA praised the 34-year-old athlete’s achievement, saying his “consecutive successes have brought our sailor back to the top of the world.”
Cypriots took to social media to congratulate their national hero. “A thousand bravos!!! Thank you for making us proud Pavlos!!!” wrote Elena Eliadou. Another fan, Clitos Kilaniotis, called him “Top but humble. Rare.”
Support poured in from across the island, with messages of “Bravo” and “Congratulations” flooding KOA’s post. Many echoed the sentiment of Stella Whelan, who wrote, “You deserve every good thing in your life! You make us proud!”
Kontides, who became Cyprus’ first-ever Olympic medalist when he won silver in London 2012, continues to inspire with his consistency and determination on the international stage.
