Cypriot track and field athletes Kyriakos Ioannou and Dimitrios Chondrokoukis have qualified for men`s high jump finals, in the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
According to Cyprus Sports Writers Union correspondent Erodotos Miltiadous, in the early hours of Monday (Cyprus time) both jumped 2.17m, 2.22m and 2.26m, they failed however to pass 2.29m. The two athletes have qualified after only 11 athletes were able to jump over the 2.29 threshold.
It is the first time Cyprus will be represented by two athletes in the Olympic finals, while Ioannou, who had also entered the finals in the 2012 London Olympics, became the first Cypriot athlete to qualify in two consecutive Olympic Games.
In statements after concluding his effort, Ioannou said that he really wanted to compete in the finals and was happy to secure the 12th place. His aim was to be among the top six, he added.
Chondrokoukis said from his part that competition was tough and despite having no prior Olympic experience, he felt no stress and was able to perform well. The finals will be held on Wednesday, at 2.30am Cyprus time.
Moreover, three Cypriot sprint athletes are competing in Rio, on Monday. Eleni Artymata and Ramona Papaioannou are running both round one of women`s 200m, at the Olympic stadium. Later on Monday (Tuesday at 2.40am Cyprus time), Milan Trajkovic will contest in the opening round of men`s 110m hurdles.
All three say they aim to qualify in the semi-finals, adding that the goal is attainable.
