Cyprus Olympic Committee President pleased with Cypriot athletes

Kikis Lazarides, President of the Cyprus Olympic Committee, has expressed satisfaction with the Cyprus Olympic team at the Beijing Olympic Games.

Speaking to CNA, Lazarides said that “we expected some of the Cypriot athletes to have very good performances”. However, “to have three Olympic champions (Antonis Nicolaides, George Achilleos, and Andri Eleftheriou) in the team is a unique success for Cyprus,” he added.

“We are very proud of our Olympic team, they did very well and the Cypriot athletes proved that this was the best Cyprus Olympic team we have ever had”, Lazarides pointed out.

On the performance of young Cypriot athletes, such as Pavlos Kontides in sailing and Demetris Minasides in weightlifting, Lazarides expressed optimism about their future and the future of Cyprus athleticism.

“We knew that those young athletes have potential and we want to build on this,” Lazarides said and added: “I am sure that we are able to win medals in the next Olympic Games”.

Lazarides noted that there are 4-5 young athletes that Cyprus can count on in the future. “I think we are building a very good Olympic team for the future”, he said.

On the Beijing Olympics, Lazarides noted the numerous world records which have been broken during these Games despite the not so good weather conditions.

“China has put on its best attire to serve people and provide excellent facilities. I believe the Beijing Olympic Games are a success,” he added.