Pavlos Kontides is on the verge of making history for his native Cyprus – and the University of Southampton – at London 2012.
The 22 year-old is currently in the silver medal position of the Men’s Laser sailing competition in Weymouth. Just three more rounds are to be completed, including the medal round on Monday (6 August). If he can place in the top three overall, Pavlos would be the first person from Cyprus to win an Olympic medal in any sport.
Pavlos has completed two years of study on the MEng in Ship Science. He has suspended his studies over the past two academic years in order to compete in all major sailing events in preparation for this year. He intends to return in October.
“He is not just a good sailor,” says tutor Dr Dominic Hudson. “He is currently averaging marks in the First Class range across all subjects!”
You can follow Pavlos’ progress via the London 2012 website – http://www.london2012.com/sailing/event/laser-men/index.html