CYPRUS: Pavlos Kontides crowned World Sailor of the Year 2018

Cypriot sailor, and 2012 Olympic Games silver medallist, Pavlos Kontides is crowned Rolex World Sailor of the Year 2018.

“What a unique feeling to be among the top legends of all times. Although I sail on my own, this was a great team effort in a fourteen-year journey that started from a dream, a dream that became reality,” Kontides said.

After becoming the first Cypriot to win an Olympic Medal in the 2012 London Olympics, Kontides won gold at the 2017 Laser World Championships in Split, Croatia, and retained his title at the 2018 Hempel Sailing World Championships in Aarhus, Denmark.

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades congratulated Kontides.

“Pavlos, your dedication, hard work and talent have elevated and consolidated you at the highest step of the world, rendering you as a model of athlete and a person. Thank You,” Anastasiades wrote in his personal account on Twitter.

“This is a unique unforgettable moment for our champion, Pavlos Kontides,” the Cyprus Sailing Federation said in a statement.

World Sailing Federation said on its website: “Cyprus’ Pavlos Kontides is etched into the history books in his home nation, becoming the country`s first Olympic medallist at the London 2012 Olympic Games. His success inspired the nation and since then he has continued to inspire nationally and globally with his achievements`.

The World Sailor of the Year Awards were launched in 1994 by the International Sailing Federation to reward individual sailors for outstanding achievements in the sport. They are considered to be the most prestigious awards in international sailing.