**Young Cyprus Champion Hits Back at Racist Comments**
In a powerful response to racist comments directed at her, 17-year-old athlete Marina Hadjicosta has reaffirmed her pride in representing Cyprus, despite not having what some might consider "Cypriot blood." The young athlete, who recently achieved significant success on the international stage, took to social media to express her feelings and to challenge the discriminatory remarks she has faced.
Hadjicosta, born in Limassol in February 2006, was adopted at birth. Her biological heritage includes a Polish mother and a Nigerian father. Raised by her adoptive parents, Simoni Papaleontiou Hadjicosta and Savvas Hadjicostas, she has a deep connection to her Cypriot identity. Her adoptive mother is a refugee from Varosha in Famagusta, who relocated to Limassol following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. Her father, originally from Limassol, has family roots in the villages of Pachna and Akapnou.
In her heartfelt social media post, Hadjicosta stated, “I may not have ‘Cypriot blood’ running through my veins, but I am a proud Cypriot and I have represented, and will continue to represent, my country with pride.” She reflected on the emotional experience of hearing the Cypriot national anthem after winning a gold medal at the European Under-18 Championships in Italy, an achievement that has brought her national recognition.
More recently, Hadjicosta secured a bronze medal at the World Under-20 Championships, further solidifying her status as a prominent athlete. Throughout her competitions, she has been motivated by a desire to make Cyprus proud, emphasizing the strength and competitive spirit of the nation. “Cyprus may be a small island with fewer than one million inhabitants, but we are a very strong country that can compete with countries considered giants,” she remarked.
Despite her accomplishments, Hadjicosta has faced a wave of racist comments following her successes. She condemned this behavior, noting that it is not an isolated issue. Other athletes representing Cyprus, such as hurdler Milan Trajkovic, have also encountered similar discrimination. Hadjicosta highlighted the unacceptable nature of the racism she has experienced and called for action from the state and relevant authorities to address such discrimination.
“The racism I received in comments from various people after my successes is unacceptable,” she stated. She urged for a society where individuals can live harmoniously, free from discrimination based on their heritage. “How ‘Cypriot’ I am is shown by my results and my humanity,” she added, emphasizing that identity is not solely defined by bloodlines but also by contributions to society and the nation.
As she prepares to begin her final year at Lanitio Sports Lyceum in September, Hadjicosta remains focused on her athletic career and her aspirations to continue making an impact in the sporting world. She concluded her message by wishing the Cypriot team competing at the upcoming European Championships good luck, demonstrating her commitment to her country and her fellow athletes.
Marina Hadjicosta’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and acceptance in sports and society. Her determination to represent Cyprus with pride, despite facing adversity, resonates with many and underscores the need for a more inclusive dialogue around identity and nationality.