Cypriot rower Eugenia Maria Polykarpou concludes participation at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games

Cypriot rower Eugenia Maria Polykarpou made history at the 4th Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026, becoming the first athlete from Cyprus to compete in rowing at this event. On October 31, she participated in the CJW1x single sculls event, placing 15th out of 32 competitors in the first time trial with a total time of 3:12.28.

Following her initial qualification, Polykarpou competed in the second time trial on November 1. During this round, she recorded a total time of 3:07.26, which placed her 17th in that specific session and 25th in the overall general classification among the 32 participants. Her performance consisted of a 2:43.68 rowing segment combined with running transitions of 11.06 and 12.52 seconds.

Her participation represents a significant milestone for the Cyprus Olympic Committee, as she was the first athlete from the national delegation to initiate competition at the Dakar games. The Cyprus Olympic Committee issued a formal congratulatory statement acknowledging her efforts and historical contribution to the country’s sports representation.