Maria Markou

Started: She took up Para powerlifting in 2016 in Limassol, Cyprus. (cyprus-mail.com, 20 Dec 2023; Athlete, 26 Aug 2021) Reason: She was a gymnast before she acquired her impairment in 2009. "I gained power [to continue with sport] because I have always been a gymnast. I started it [powerlifting] because it was a different sport from what I did. Because powerlifting is a challenge for a woman." (Athlete, 26 Aug 2021; offsite.com.cy, 03 Oct 2017) Awards: In 2024 she received the 'Dual Career' award at the Cyprus Sports Organisation [KOA] National Sports Awards. (Facebook profile, 29 Jan 2024; BOUSSIAS Cyprus Facebook page, 27 Jan 2024) She received the Hercules Para Sports Award for 2023 from the Cyprus Sports Writers Association [EAK]. (EAK YouTube channel, 15 Feb 2024; Facebook profile, 10 Feb 2024; sportime.sigmalive.com, 08 Feb 2024) In 2021 she and Para swimmer Karolina Pelendritou were named co-winners of the Para Sportsperson of the Year award by the Cyprus Sports Writers Association [EAK]. (eak.org.cy, 31 Mar 2021) Additional Info: OCCUPATION She has worked as an information technology and computer science teacher at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth in Cyprus. "I make sure to fill my daily life in a way that helps other people. My role involves visiting all school units and informing children about sports, road safety, and disability." (LinkedIn profile, 25 Mar 2024; ablebook.com.cy, 25 Jul 2023; Athlete, 26 Aug 2021) FURTHER EDUCATION She has a master's degree in data science and engineering from the Cyprus University of Technology. (LinkedIn profile, 25 Mar 2024; Athlete, 26 Aug 2021; newsbomb.com.cy, 20 Jan 2019)