Two-time silver Olympic medalist Pavlos Kontides has announced his intention to compete at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The announcement was made during an event in his honour at Le Sundeck Robuchon at the Ayia Napa marina on Tuesday night.

Kontides celebrated his second Olympic silver medal, the second for Cyprus in Olympic history, and reviewed his performance at the Paris 2024 Games and revealed his plan to aim for a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The sailor said that, with support from the public and the state, he will continue his pursuit.

“With patience, persistence, and the zeal to maintain the daily routine needed to compete for another medal, provided I stay healthy,” Kontides said.

He acknowledged the challenges but stressed his passion for sailing.

“It is difficult, but I love what I do, and that is the most important thing. Whatever we do in life, we should love and enjoy it, not just in sports but in everything,” he added.

Regarding whether he considered retiring after the Paris Olympics, Kontidis revealed he had discussed his future with his coach earlier in the year.

“I told him that I still have the drive and passion within me and love what I do. I want to continue if I am physically, mentally, and health-wise capable of competing for medals. If I find myself unable to compete at the level I want, I might consider stopping. I believe one should stop while they are still at the top,” he said.

Kontidis also introduced the #TowardsLosAngeles programme, a continuation of the #TowardsTokyo and #TowardsParis initiatives aimed at supporting other athletes to expand Cyprus’ Olympic team.

“Even when I stop, I want to continue this as a long-term institution, including a new category for younger athletes. These are the ages where, without success, there is no support,” he said.

He also expressed his dream of further promoting sailing, stating that he aims to fill Cyprus’ seas with sails and is confident he will achieve this goal.

Ayia Napa marina CEO Stavros Caramondanis congratulated Kontides on winning the silver medal in Paris, saying that his achievement “not only establishes his place in Cyprus’ sports history but also exemplifies the spirit of determination, perseverance, and excellence that we deeply value at Ayia Napa marina”.

“The collaboration between Ayia Napa marina and Pavlos is a testament to our shared commitment to reaching the pinnacle of international success,” he continued before vowing to extend the partnership.

“We are proud to have supported him on this remarkable and unique journey of distinction, and we look forward to many more sailing adventures together,” Caramondanis concluded.