Five Cypriot athletes ranked among world's top 20 in youth athletics for 2026

Five young Cypriot track and field athletes have been recognized as some of the best in the world for the under-18 age group in 2026, according to the Cyprus Amateur Athletics Association (KOEAS). Leading the group is 17-year-old discus thrower Marina Hatzikosta, who finished the year ranked first globally with a distance of 56.54 meters. Hatzikosta also holds the 13th position in the U18 shot put rankings and has achieved significant international success, including gold at the European U18 Championships and bronze at the World U20 Championships.

Other notable performers include Anthi Apostolidou and Anastasios Maratheftis, who are ranked among the top 20 globally in hammer throw events. Apostolidou holds the 5th and 14th spots for different hammer weights, while Maratheftis is ranked 6th and 18th. Following these results, Hatzikosta has been nominated for the European Athletics 'Rising Star' award. The winner will be selected through a process involving public voting, federations, media, and a specialized panel, with the final results to be announced at the Golden Tracks Awards in Lausanne on October 24, 2026.