Pavlos Kontides wins second Olympic silver medal

Pavlos Kontides has once again made history for Cyprus by winning a silver medal in sailing at the Paris Olympics, President Nikos Christodoulides announced in a statement on Wednesday. This marks Kontides' second silver medal in the Laser category, solidifying his status as one of the nation's top athletes.

"Today is a historic day for our country and its sport, since our champion Pavlos Kontides won for the second time, a silver medal in sailing, in the Laser category, at the Paris Olympics," President Christodoulides said. "I would like to express the feelings of deep emotion and joy of the Cypriot people for the feat of our champion Pavlos Kontides, who once again raised Cypriot sport to the highest level of world sport."

President Christodoulides lauded Kontides' achievement, highlighting the pride and gratitude felt across the nation. "Pavlos Kontides made Cyprus proud and we are all deeply grateful for his great achievement," he added.

Minister of Education, Sports, and Youth Athena Michaelidou also congratulated Kontides via a post on social media platform X. "Congratulations to Paris Olympic silver medalist in the sailing event Pavlos Kontides," Michaelidou wrote. She praised the 34-year-old sailor for his outstanding effort and expressed national pride in his accomplishment. "The 34-year-old sailor made us proud again with his super effort, winning the silver medal for you and our little Cyprus," she noted.

Meanwhile, Kontides was overjoyed at the award ceremony and celebrated more intensely than the Olympic Gold Medalist, with the encouragement of the Cypriot podium making its presence felt.

"Having my wife and son here, being able to share these moments with them was a huge motivation. I think there are few Olympians who have a family and children and the ability to share these moments. It's something special," Kontides said of the importance of having family present, adding: "My wife was the first person I kissed as soon as I got out of the water. Next to her was my sister, mother, father, and brother, and then I kissed everyone else. My son was a little lost, I excuse him, yet to turn three. I picked him up, kissed him, and then he kissed me, so he realized what happened."

Kontides' victory marks his second Olympic silver medal in sailing, further solidifying his status as one of Cyprus' most decorated athletes. President Nikos Christodoulides and Minister of Education, Sports, and Youth Athena Michaelides expressed their heartfelt congratulations, celebrating this historic achievement for Cypriot sports on the global stage.

[Source: 24 Sports]