Cyprus makes historic debut: Alexa Stais to compete in Mediterranean Games

For the first time in history, Cyprus will field a female equestrian competitor at the Mediterranean Games. In Taranto, the island's colors will be represented Alexa Stais, who will take part in show jumping with her nine-year-old mare Kantu.

The Cyprus Olympic Committee has decided to enter the athlete into the 20th Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026. The ski jumping competition will begin on August 30, with the individual final scheduled for September 1.

The first such start in history

This will be an unprecedented event for Cypriot equestrianism. Antonis Petri, President of the Cyprus Equestrian Federation, emphasized that Cyprus has never before participated in this event at the Mediterranean Games.

In his opinion, simply participating in a major international multi-sport event could increase interest in equestrianism on the island and open up new opportunities for Cypriot competitors.

Alexa Stais will fight with Kantu

Stais will start at Kantu, a nine-year-old mare with whom he already has experience in international competitions. The horse will be transported by land from Germany to Italy.

The athlete admits she's going to Taranto with the ambition of competing for a medal. However, she emphasizes that in show jumping, much depends on the specific run and the cooperation between rider and horse.

First the qualifications, then the final

According to the official FEI schedule, the competition will start August 30 from the team competition, which will also be a qualification for the individual competition.

The individual final will take place on September 1. The Mediterranean Games in Taranto themselves will run from August 21 to September 3.

One of the most important competitors in Cypriot equestrian sport

Alexa Stais grew up in South Africa, with a Cypriot grandfather. For over a decade, she has lived in Germany, where she pursues a professional show jumping career.

In 2025, she became the first female athlete to represent Cyprus at the Senior European Show Jumping Championships. She currently competes professionally for Paul Schockemöhle.

The start in Taranto will therefore be another important step both in her career and in the development of Cypriot equestrianism on the international stage.

Source: Cyprus News Agency (KYPE)