Milano-cortina: Yiannos Kouyoumdjian finished on Saturday 64th in the Giant Slalom at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, completing both demanding runs at the Stelvio Ski Centre in Bormio with a combined time of 2:52.11.
According to Cyprus News Agency, "in a high-caliber competition featuring 81 athletes, only 69 skiers managed to complete both runs - a fact that underscores the exceptional difficulty of the course and the significance of the Cypriot champion's accomplishment."
"In his first run, Kouyoumdjian competed with focus and determination, clocking a time of 1:29.14 and laying the foundation for a strong overall performance," the statement noted.
"In the second and decisive run, under considerably more challenging weather conditions, he demonstrated competitive maturity and composure, enabling him to post a solid combined time and secure 64th place in the final standings," it added.
In his first brief remarks following the race, Yiannos Kouyoumdjian said that "it was a tough race. I achieved my goal of completing both runs. The second run was a bit slower, but we're all happy. Everything went well. Now we turn our focus to Monday's Slalom."
"Today's performance represents yet another milestone for Cypriot Alpine Skiing, reaffirming his continued progression and consistent presence on the international stage in his second consecutive Olympic appearance, following the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games," the statement noted.
The Cypriot athlete was supported on-site by Yiotis Ioannides, Secretary General of the Cyprus Olympic Committee; Dinos Lefkaritis Jr., Secretary of the COC Athletes' Commission; Head of Delegation Andreas Eleftheriou; and coach Doros Christodoulou - all of whom stood by his side throughout every stage of the competition.
Kouyoumdjian's Olympic campaign continues on Monday, February 16, when he takes part in the Slalom, where he will be aiming for another strong showing.
The Cypriot delegation will also be represented in the Women's Slalom on Wednesday, February 18, through the participation of Andrea Loizidou, rounding out the Cyprus Olympic Committee's involvement in the Alpine Skiing program.