Pavlos Kontides


Pavlos Kontides is a Cypriot sailor. He became the first Cypriot athlete ever to win an Olympic medal for his country, by winning the silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the Sailing at the [2012 Summer Olympics – Men's Laser class|Men's Laser class] behind Tom Slingsby, then Sailing at the [2024 Summer Olympics – Laser|twelve years later] in Paris getting another medal of the same color behind Australia's Matthew Wearn. He won the International Sports Prize World Athlete of the Year award in 2012. On Tuesday 19 of September 2017, Kontides took the 1st place in 2017 ILCA World Championship in Split, Croatia, becoming a World Champion. He won the championship again in 2018, as well as silver in 2013, 2022 and 2025.

Career

Kontides also competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics in the Sailing at the [2008 Summer Olympics – Laser | Men's Laser class], obtaining the 13th place. In the same year, he won gold at the World Junior Championships and in 2009 he won two silver medals in World Cups and a bronze in the Paneuropean Men's Championship.
He competed at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Sailing at the [2016 Summer Olympics – Laser|Men's Laser class] where he placed 7th. He was the flag bearer for Cyprus during the Parade of Nations.
He also competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Sailing at the [2020 Summer Olympics – Laser|Men's Laser class] where he was placed 4th.
As of 2025, Kontides has publicly stated his goal of competing at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, with the aim of winning Olympic gold and becoming Cyprus’ first Olympic champion.
Kontides is currently ranked 3rd in the ILCA 7 men's rankings.
Kontides was born in Limassol. He is a member of the Limassol Nautical Club and is currently trained by Jozo Jakelić. He is studying ship science at the University of Southampton, and has taken a two-year break.
The Republic of Cyprus honored Kontides through the issue of a Commemorative Stamp.
Kontides is widely regarded in Cyprus as a national symbol and inspiration, encouraging younger generations to pursue sailing and approach challenges with persistence and confidence.