Kesidis wins Cyprus’ first ever world U20 athletics gold medal

Hammer thrower Iosif Kesides won Cyprus’ first ever World under-20 athletics championships gold medal on Thursday night.

Kesidis, a native of Paphos, put on a dominating display in Peru’s capital Lima, with his winning throw of 82.8 metres flying more than seven metres further than anyone else’s best attempt.

Not only that, all six of his attempts would have been enough for him to win the championships, while his achievement also saw him set a new Cypriot U20 national record.

Speaking after his victory, he said, “this competition is my best”.

“I said to my coach before the throw, the last one I threw, it is the best one, let’s go for the record. I love this sport,” he added.

Hungary’s Roman Imre won a silver medal with his best throw of the day, achieving a personal best of 75.33m, while his compatriot Armin Szabados won bronze with a best throw of 74.88m.