CYPRUS JUDO FEDERATION.

USUAL SUSPECTS FROM GEORGIA AND THE RETURN OF CYPRUS

Cyprus in the medal table after an absence of three years

Cyprus returned to the medals table of «Iliadis Cup» after an absence of three years (3rd place in 2012). Last time they won a silver medal was in the 2009 event. The island of Aphrodite found its protagonist in Vasiliki KOURRI, who was found in the second step of the podium in the -44kg category. "I toiled away and reap the rewards; the feeling was awesome! However, I believe that if I had been a little more stubborn, I could have won the gold medal. I was teemed with pride to see the flag of my country rising on the pole. I dedicate this medal to my family and my coach who support me day in, day out" said the 16 year old gymnast. She is currently attending a sports school, which facilitates her training without worries about playing truant!

The coach of the Cypriot team, Lavrentis ALEXANIDIS, is a 2005 and 2008 European bronze medallist for Greece. He referred to the development of judo in the country where he currently lives and works. "We gradually improve ourselves and feel that we can be serious medal contenders in international competitions. There is a lot of young blood and we have been working in the best way possible despite the difficult financial state. Judo is beginning to take the place it deserves among sporting events in Cyprus, which particularly pleases us" said Lavrentis Alexanidis.