Cyprus fencing gold made history on Monday as Alexandros Tofalidis won the island’s first-ever medal at a Commonwealth fencing event.
The 33-year-old fencer claimed gold in the men’s foil at the Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos, Nigeria, organised by the Commonwealth Fencing Federation.
Tofalidis dominates final
Tofalidis defeated England’s Oliver Strange 15–5 in the final to secure the gold medal.
England is the most successful country in Commonwealth fencing history, with 37 gold medals.
Tofalidis received a bye into the round of 32 before defeating Wales’ Alfie Smith 15–5 in the last 16.
He then beat India’s Bibish Kathiresan 15–7 in the quarter-finals before overcoming fellow Indian fencer Manoj Patel in the semi-final.
‘A moment I will never forget’
After his historic victory, Tofalidis spoke of his pride and emotion at becoming Commonwealth champion.
“It is difficult to put into words what this moment means to me,” he said, reflecting on years of training, sacrifices, difficult moments and disappointments.
He said standing on the top step of the podium, hearing the national anthem and watching the Cyprus flag being raised was a moment he would never forget.
“Competing for Cyprus means much more to me than sport,” he added.
Tofalidis also dedicated the medal to his family, teammates and everyone who supported him throughout his career.
He thanked the Cyprus Sports Organisation, the Cyprus Olympic Committee, the Cyprus Fencing Federation, Allwyn, ISX Financial and the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Solidarity programme for their continued support.
“I am proud that we have written a small piece of history for Cyprus,” he said.
Another milestone for Cyprus
The victory represents a major milestone for Cyprus fencing, with Tofalidis becoming the country’s first Commonwealth champion in the sport.
At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, he became the first Cypriot fencer to compete at the Olympics.
Tofalidis has represented Cyprus since 2016 and has won international medals for the country as one of his targets following his Olympic appearance.
His next major goal will be the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games.
Also read: Cyprus wins 12 medals at Commonwealth Games in Glasgow
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