“Life never offers perfect conditions – we make the best of them”: Karolina Pelendritou on courage, inclusion, and what “Yes, I Can” really means
Paralympic champion and “Princess of the Pool” Karolina Pelendritou shares her powerful story as part of the “Yes, I Can” social campaign – an initiative by the Kateryna Biloruska Foundation and the National Cyprus Paralympic Committee, dedicated to celebrating resilience, inclusion, and the strength of Cyprus’ Paralympic athletes.
Through her journey, a three-time Paralympic gold medalist embodies the spirit of the campaign, proving that determination and courage can redefine what’s possible both in and beyond sport.
In this exclusive interview, she reflects on breaking boundaries, the power of sport to change lives, and her vision for a society where every individual has an equal place to thrive.
Yes, I can – a new social campaign for inclusion
Cyprus’ most celebrated Paralympic athlete, Karolina Pelendritou, known worldwide as the “Princess of the Pool”, takes center stage in the newly launched “Yes, I Can” campaign – a social initiative by the Kateryna Biloruska Foundation in partnership with the Cyprus Paralympic Committee.
The campaign aims to celebrate the strength, pride, and unity of Cyprus’ Paralympic athletes, while reshaping perceptions of disability and inclusion. Through powerful portraits, emotional storytelling, and short videos, it showcases 15 athletes whose courage and perseverance continue to inspire generations.
A highlight of the campaign will be a photo exhibition at Larnaka International Airport, opening November 7, where thousands of travelers will encounter stories that redefine courage and humanity.
“Sports can change the way we see the world,” says Karolina. “Having a disability does not mean that someone is inferior or should feel less capable. We take the circumstances we have and make the best of them — first and foremost for ourselves.”
What “Yes, I Can” means to Karolina Pelendritou
For her, “Yes, I Can” isn’t just a slogan – it’s a way of living. From the moment she first stepped into a swimming pool as a child with visual impairment, she learned that perseverance would be her most powerful strength.
“I think it could be one of my life mottos,” Karolina smiles. “Because the way my life turned out, I eventually found myself following this philosophy.”
Her extraordinary career includes three Paralympic gold medals, two silver, and three bronzes – spanning four Games from Athens to Tokyo and Paris – as well as multiple world records. Yet for Karolina, success is measured not in medals but in mindset
Breaking barriers again and again
When Kateryna Biloruska Foundation asked about moments that defined her, Karolina said:.
“It’s not just a single moment, to be honest. Throughout such a long journey, and after so many years at the top, I constantly have to push my limits and overcome obstacles. Among the competitions where I truly had to face very difficult situations, I can highlight the Paralympic Games in Paris, the World Championship in Singapore, and the Games in Tokyo, which involved quarantine and a change of category.”
Her transition in 2002 from competing among able-bodied athletes to joining the Paralympic Movement was one of her life’s most transformative experiences.
“It was one of the greatest turning points of my life,” she admits. “I had to accept a significant condition that made me different in the eyes of society. It’s a daily challenge to overcome obstacles, especially as priorities shift with age. Unfortunately, both in sports and society, things are not always as welcoming for people with disabilities.”
Sport as a mirror of society
“Sports are a microcosm of society,” Karolina reflects. “Through this journey, you grow and adopt values that stay with you for life. I try to separate my place in the world from sports – something not easy, but necessary. I don’t want my worth as a person to be defined only by my achievements.”
Her words capture a truth that goes far beyond athletic competition – that inclusion starts not with systems, but with how we see each other.
“What matters deeply to me is that through my own path and efforts, other people find strength and courage to follow their own way,” she says. “That, in itself, is something very meaningful in my journey.”
A message to young people with disabilities from Karolina Pelendritou
“Sports can change the way we see the world. Having a disability does not mean someone is less capable. People with disabilities have talents – and it has been proven worldwide that they excel in all areas: art, music, sports, and society.”
Her advice to young athletes is simple yet profound: “Life never offers perfect or ideal conditions. The ground will never be completely even, and things will never be perfect for you to take a step. So, take the circumstances you have and make the best of them. Our own step forward can inspire strength and courage in someone else.”
A vision for an equal and inclusive society
Karolina’s hope extends beyond sport – to the kind of Cyprus she wants to see in the future.
“I want to live to see a society that is more friendly and inclusive toward people with disabilities,” she says. “One that doesn’t make them feel like heroes, but also not like ‘poor souls’. A society where they feel they have an equal place. A more harmonious world – not one with two speeds.”
“Inclusion begins with action” — Kateryna Biloruska
Kateryna Biloruska, founder of the Foundation, says the campaign is a reminder of what true leadership and inclusion look like:
“Karolina’s story embodies the essence of “Yes, I Can”. It’s about courage, empathy, and resilience. Through this campaign, we want to amplify voices like hers. Voices that inspire others to believe in themselves and in a more inclusive future. Inclusion it’s something we build together, through action and awareness. That’s what ‘Yes, I Can’ stands for.”
A celebration of strength and pride
The “Yes, I Can” exhibition, initiated and funded by Kateryna Biloruska Foundation and supported by Larnaka International Airport and Cyprus National Paralympic Committee, will bring these stories to life in one of Cyprus’s most visited public spaces. Travelers will discover portraits and quotes from 15 Cypriot Paralympians, each telling a personal story of determination, hope, and pride.
The exhibition will officially open on November 7 until December, followed by a press conference with athletes, government representatives, and partners, highlighting Cyprus’s ongoing commitment to inclusion through sport.
The “Yes, I Can” campaign is more than a celebration – it’s a call to action. The organizers want these powerful photographs and stories to reach as many people as possible, inspiring a movement of courage and inclusion. Join the conversation by sharing your own story on Instagram using the hashtag #YesICanCyprus – tell us how sport has helped you or someone you know overcome challenges, find confidence, or change their life.
Also read: Karolina Pelendritou wins silver at World Championship
