Newsroom
An evening celebrating achievement, perseverance, and role models for a new generation reached its emotional high point Tuesday night in Nicosia when President Nikos Christodoulides presented the coveted Man of the Year award to Olympic gymnast Marios Georgiou.
The ceremony’s final award, traditionally considered the highlight of the evening, brought the audience to its feet as Georgiou, who has become one of Cyprus’ most recognizable sporting figures, was honored not only for his athletic success but also for the impact he has had beyond the gym.
Speaking during the event, Christodoulides said the government sees sports as far more than competition or entertainment.
“We are investing in sports. We approach it as an investment in the new generation of our country,” the president said, adding that this investment also includes stadiums and sports infrastructure across Cyprus.
The president also pointed to Cyprus’ successful hosting of EuroBasket as proof that the country is increasingly capable of organizing major international sporting events, something officials hope will continue to raise Cyprus’ profile abroad while inspiring young athletes at home.
But the night’s most personal moment came when Christodoulides spoke about meeting Georgiou during last summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.
According to the president, the gymnast had raised concerns about his professional future and eligibility for a Cyprus Sports Organization vocational rehabilitation program, which at the time required athletes to finish at least eighth at the Olympics.
Georgiou ultimately finished sixth, an achievement that impressed the nation, but Christodoulides said the conversation itself prompted a broader rethink.
The government later decided that any Cypriot athlete who qualifies for the Olympic Games will now have the right to participate in the vocational rehabilitation program, regardless of final ranking.
It was a rare moment where an athlete’s personal struggle appeared to directly influence policy.
Presenting the award, Christodoulides said being named Man of the Year is not only about success or medals but also about character.
“To be a candidate for such an award, someone must, through their actions, be a role model in society and help us become better,” he said.
In many ways, Georgiou’s story has resonated with Cypriots precisely because it reflects years of persistence behind the spotlight. Gymnastics is not among the country’s most funded or commercially celebrated sports, yet Georgiou managed to place Cyprus on the international gymnastics map through determination and consistency.
Receiving the award, Georgiou thanked the president for the support and interest he showed during the Paris Olympics, referring to the conversation that later led to changes benefiting future athletes.
The moment closed the evening on a symbolic note: a champion being recognized not only for what he achieved personally but also for helping pave the way for the athletes coming after him.
