**Cyprus to Make Equestrian Debut at Mediterranean Games in 2026**
Cyprus is set to make history by participating in equestrian sports at the Mediterranean Games for the first time, with show jumper Alexa Stais chosen to represent the island. The announcement was made by the Cyprus Olympic Committee, confirming that Stais will compete in show jumping at the 20th Mediterranean Games, scheduled to take place in Taranto, Italy, from August 21 to September 3, 2026.
Stais will be riding her nine-year-old mare, Kantu, in the competition. According to the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the show jumping events will commence on August 30, beginning with the team final, which will also serve as a qualifier for the individual event. The individual final is slated for September 1.
As a professional equestrian athlete based in Germany, Stais has established herself as one of Cyprus’ leading representatives on the international show jumping circuit. In a statement regarding her selection, Stais expressed her hopes of contending for a medal in Italy. “In our sport, anything can happen, but I believe in my horse and the partnership we have developed,” she stated. “My goal is to give her the best possible round and achieve a result that will make Cyprus proud.”
The president of the Cyprus Equestrian Federation, Antonis Petri, welcomed the announcement of Stais's participation, highlighting the significance of this milestone for the nation. “We have never participated in this competition of the Games before, and we consider this year’s participation a great success,” Petri remarked. He emphasized that competing at a major multi-sport event like the Mediterranean Games could enhance the profile of equestrian sports in Cyprus and open new opportunities for local riders both domestically and internationally.
Kantu, Stais's mare, has already competed in several high-level international events and will make the journey to Taranto by road from Germany. The inclusion of equestrian sports at the Mediterranean Games marks a significant development for Cyprus, which has not previously had representation in this discipline at such a prominent event.
Originally, the 2026 Mediterranean Games were scheduled to take place from June 13 to 23, but the dates were adjusted to avoid the peak summer heat, with the new schedule running from August 21 to September 3. The Mediterranean Games, held every four years, feature athletes from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea across Africa, Asia, and Europe. The inaugural Games were hosted in 1951 in Alexandria, Egypt.
Stais has a unique background; she grew up in South Africa and began riding at a young age. With a Cypriot grandfather, she later moved to Germany, where she has spent over a decade pursuing her professional show jumping career. In 2025, she made history as the first rider to represent Cyprus at a senior European Show Jumping Championship.
The anticipation surrounding Stais's participation in the Mediterranean Games reflects a growing interest in equestrian sports within Cyprus and a commitment to fostering talent in this area. As the Games approach, the equestrian community and supporters in Cyprus are hopeful that Stais will not only perform well but also inspire future generations of riders in the country.