Kalia Antoniou wins Cyprus’ first Mediterranean Games gold in Taranto
Kalia Antoniou won the women’s 100m freestyle, securing Cyprus’ first gold medal of this year’s Mediterranean Games.
Taranto, Italy. Swimmer Kalia Antoniou won Cyprus’ first gold medal of this year’s Mediterranean Games on Monday night, taking victory in the women’s 100m freestyle final for the second time in her career.
100m freestyle victory
Antoniou, who also won the event in 2022, recorded a time of 54.6 seconds. She finished 0.07 seconds ahead of Italy’s Chiara Tarantino, who won silver, while Spain’s Ainho Campabadal Amezcua took bronze in 55.4 seconds.
“I had two goals, to achieve a personal best and to win the gold medal. I managed to achieve one and I am very happy and proud of my first gold [of the games] for Cyprus. Tomorrow, I will compete in the 50m freestyle and I hope to achieve both of my goals there,” Antoniou said.
Cyprus’ gold medal record
The result ensured Cyprus continued its record of winning at least one gold medal at every Mediterranean Games since the turn of the century. The island last failed to win gold at the games held in Bari, Italy, in 1997.
Tuesday’s Cyprus events
Antoniou will return to competition on Tuesday morning in the 50m freestyle. Her brother, Nikolas Antoniou, and Andrew Marcus Laghoutis will compete in the men’s 50m freestyle, while Maria Erokhina will take part in the women’s 200m individual medley final later in the day.
Cyprus’ men’s handball team will face Tunisia on Tuesday evening after losing 33-24 to Algeria in its opening match on Sunday.
In other events, Maria Sokolova and Maria Avgousti will compete in gymnastics, while padel players Sergios Kyratzis and Maria Siopacha will face Portugal in the mixed doubles quarterfinal. Trap shooters Yiannis Ailiotis and Andreas Makri will also compete.
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