Athlete Marina Hadjicosta denounces racism after world championship success

Seventeen-year-old Cypriot athlete Marina Hadjicosta, a U18 European champion and recent bronze medalist in discus at the World U20 Championships in Oregon, has spoken out against the racist abuse she has encountered online following her athletic achievements. In an emotional social media post, Hadjicosta, who was born in Limassol on February 8, 2009, addressed her personal identity and adoption. She clarified that she was adopted at birth by Simoni Papaleontiou Hadjicosta and Savvas Hadjicosta, noting her biological parents are of Polish and Nigerian descent.

Expressing immense pride in her identity as a Cypriot, she highlighted her family's history, including her mother’s status as a refugee from Varosha and her father’s roots in Pachna and Akapnou. Hadjicosta emphasized that her dedication to Cyprus is defined by her actions and humanity rather than ancestry. She explicitly condemned the racism directed at herself and other athletes, such as Milan Trajkovic, and called upon the state and relevant authorities to take decisive action against discrimination. Currently, she is preparing to enter her final year at the Laniteio Athletic Lyceum this September while continuing her professional athletic career.