Alexander Andreas Tofalides (born March 13, 1993) is a Cypriot fencer specializing in the foil. He qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics, becoming the first fencer to represent Cyprus at the Olympic Games.[2]

Alexander Tofalides
Alexander Tofalides at a competition
Personal information
Full nameAlexander Andreas Tofalides
Nickname(s)Alex
Born (1993-03-13) March 13, 1993 (age 31)
London, England
Nationality Cyprus,  United Kingdom
Height175 cm (5 ft 9 in)[1]
Weight70 kg (154 lb)
Sport
WeaponFoil
HandLeft-handed
ClubInspion Sports

Early life and education

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Tofalides was born in London, England. He began fencing at the age of seven.[3] He balanced his fencing career with his academic pursuits at University College London (BA 2015)[2] and the London School of Economics and Political Science (MSc 2017).[3]

Fencing career

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Youth competitions

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Tofalides represented Great Britain at the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics, finishing in seventh place in the individual boys' foil event.[2] Representing Great Britain until 2016, he was Individual Senior British Champion in 2013,[2] World Cup Bronze Medalist with Great Britain in Bonn 2014,[2] and Gold Medalist at the 2015 European Games in Baku with Team GB.[4]

Transition to Cyprus

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Switching to represent Cyprus, Tofalides won his first gold medal at the FIE Men’s Foil Competition Satellite in Antalya, Turkey, in 2016.[3] His performances have significantly raised the profile of fencing in Cyprus.[3]

Olympic qualification

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At the Tokyo 2020 European Olympic Qualifying event, Tofalides lost in the final to qualify for the Olympics.[5] Three years later, Tofalides secured his place at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris by winning the Europe Zonal Qualifying Tournament held in Differdange, Luxembourg.[6][7] This achievement marked a historic moment as he became the first Cypriot fencer to qualify for the Olympic Games.[6]

Style and technique

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Tofalides is known for his determination and famously beat Marcus Mepstead 4-1 in the British Championships, demonstrating his strategic and tactical versatility. His ability to read opponents and adapt his tactics mid-bout has been key to his success. He continues to refine his skills under the guidance of top coaches.[7]

Personal life

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Beyond fencing, Tofalides is committed to promoting sports among the youth in Cyprus.[8] He is also an advocate for mental health awareness, emphasizing the importance of psychological well-being for athletes.[8]

Achievements

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  •   2010 Summer Youth Olympics: 7th place (individual boys' foil)[2]
  • 🥇   2016 FIE Men’s Foil Competition Satellite Antalya, Turkey: Gold Medal[9]

References

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  1. ^ "Alex Tofalides". Taipei 2017 Summer Universiade. Retrieved 7 September 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Rosowsky Sixth at World University Games". British Fencing. British Fencing Association. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  3. ^ a b c d "Alexander Tofalides wins gold in his first fencing tournament representing Cyprus". Parikiaki. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  4. ^ "Alex Tofalides wins European Games gold". Parikiaki. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  5. ^ "When I lost in final 2021 Tokyo qualification". FIE. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  6. ^ a b "Alex Tofalides qualifies for Olympics in fencing". Parikiaki. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  7. ^ a b "UK Cypriot Alex Tofalides qualifies for Olympics in fencing". Cypriots Worldwide. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  8. ^ a b "About us – Inspion Sports". Inspion Sports. Retrieved 2024-06-07.
  9. ^ "Alexander Tofalides wins Gold in his first fencing tournament representing Cyprus | Parikiaki Cyprus and Cypriot News". December 13, 2016.