Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma has commended Commonwealth Olympic champions for their record-breaking accomplishments at the 2012 London Olympics, noting that they had done the Commonwealth proud. Cyprus is among the 16 Commonwealth countries that won medals in the London 2012 Olympics. This was as first Olympic medal – silver – Cyprus won since it started competing in Olympic Games as an independent state.
Pavlos Kontides secured the silver medal in sailing’s Laser class.
Sharma said that participants from Commonwealth countries won a total of 179 medals: 56 gold, 55 silver, and 68 bronze. He noted that the competitors had brought pride to their countries and to the Commonwealth, inspiring other young people through their dedication, discipline and teamwork.
“Participants have inspired other young people through their dedication, discipline and team work – particularly in the run-up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games (‘the Friendly Games’) which will take place in Glasgow, and where we hope for even higher levels of accomplishment,” he noted.
“I congratulate all the Commonwealth athletes for making us proud over the last two weeks. They have demonstrated that determination and single-mindedness to achieve greatness can be realised, whether on the podium or through participation. They have blazed a trail for other aspiring sportsmen and women to follow,” said the Secretary-General.
He noted that “many Olympic and world records have been broken at this Games. Many sports icons have won accolades for defending their titles, while newcomers have stunned the world with their victories. As London now prepares for the Paralympic Games, I wish these athletes the very best.”
The 16 Commonwealth countries that won medals in the London 2012 Olympics are: Australia, The Bahamas, Botswana, Canada, Cyprus, Grenada, India, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda and the United Kingdom. All 54 Commonwealth countries are represented on the 204 National Olympic Committees
