Politis

Farewell to a Legend: Apostolos Parellis Announces Retirement

Published January 23, 2026, 11:18
Farewell to a Legend: Apostolos Parellis Announces Retirement

Apostolos Parellis, one of Cyprus's greatest athletes, announced his retirement from competitive athletics on January 22, 2026, after a 26-year career. Parellis stood out for his ethics, courage, and perseverance, serving as a role model for Cypriot throwers and athletes in general. Despite his height (1.86m), which was not ideal for discus throwing, he achieved great success thanks to his tactics, explosiveness, and hard work. He is one of only four Cypriot track and field athletes to have excelled in the Olympic Games (along with Ioannou, Trajkovic, and Koulitchenko), finishing 8th in Rio in 2016. At the World Championships, he won 5th place in Doha in 2019 with a Pan-Cypriot record of 66.32m, and was 6th in Beijing in 2015. He also has three appearances in European Championships, with two 8th places and one 9th place. Parellis holds the records for the most appearances in World and European Championships, as well as the most qualifications for World Championship finals (along with Ioannou) and European Championship finals. He was also undefeated in the Pan-Cypriot discus championships for 19 consecutive years (2007-2025).