Parellis leading Cyprus’s Olympic ambition•

Apostolos Parellis may not be the tallest or largest among world-class discus throwers, however what he lacks in size, he certainly makes up for in speed, technique and determination. Standing just 186cm and weighing 110kg – small for an elite international thrower – the veteran Cypriot athlete has proven himself as one of the most consistent performers at major championships.

Parellis, 34, narrowly missed a medal at the World Athletics Championships Doha 2019, his second and best throw of 66.32m, although a new national record, was just 50cm short of a bronze medal. Had Parellis found an additional half metre, he would have become only the second Cypriot to win a world championship medal following Kyriakos Ioannou, who leaped to high jump silver in 2009 and bronze in 2007.

Despite the disappointment of finishing just outside of the medals, Parellis focuses upon the positives of a valiant effort and commendable showing.

“I was also close in Beijing (2015 World Championships) and I tried very much to take one medal, but I am happy with the national record,” Parellis said. “I also took the qualification for the Olympics, so I am happy with this result.”