Paralympic swimmer Karolina Pelendritou completes first road race in Athens

In early March, Cypriot Paralympic swimmer Karolina Pelendritou participated in a 5-kilometer road race during the 14th Athens Half Marathon. This event marked her debut in competitive road running. Due to her severely impaired vision, Pelendritou was guided by her trainer, Dimitris Koulouris, with whom she maintained coordination using a tether. The route passed through the historic center and iconic locations in Athens. Previously, the athlete, who holds eight Paralympic swimming medals, had only experienced short sprints for media appearances. Pelendritou described the challenge as difficult due to endurance requirements and the inherent obstacles of running without sight, yet she successfully maintained pace with her guide. She framed her participation as a broader message regarding accessibility, equality, and the importance of women's rights in sports. She emphasized that the experience ignited her competitive spirit despite being distinct from her primary background in swimming.