Cyprus’ sprinter Olivia Fotopoulou says she travels to Paris Olympics with the goal to outdo herself.
This is her first presence in an Olympiad and she told the Cyprus News Agency that she will try to make her country proud.
The 27 year old athlete said that she will definitely try to be present in the next Olympics after Paris as well.
In Paris she is going to compete in the 100m qualifiers on August 2nd. The final of the race is set for the next day. She will also compete in the 200m, the first round of which is set for August 4th.
There is a repechage (second chance), which will be launched for the first time in Paris 2024, following the decision of World Athletics. This race is scheduled for August 5th while the final will take place the next day.
Fotopoulou told the Cyprus News Agency that the road an athlete chooses is a lonely one, that requires patience, perseverance, focus and passion.
She described her qualification for the Paris Olympics as a dream come true, adding that she will probably rea
lize what is going on, once she sets foot in the Olympic village.
She said that she is very proud of the fact that she will compete in both the 100 and 200 meters.
Olivia spoke about being a champion and studying for a demanding curriculum such as biology and embryology. She said that sports have an expiration date and she very well knows it, therefore she needs to have a degree as well.
She explained that in the US where she studied, is easier to combine sports and studying. She also said that through sports she got to know herself better.
Fotopoulou also thanked her coach Costas Vogiatzakis, pointing out that there is a certain degree of communication and this helps her a lot.
Following Paris the young athlete will participate in the 2025 World Championships in Japan.
Source: Cyprus News Agency
