Sophia Papamichalopoulos, OLY

SDGs:

IOC Young Leader Bio:

Sophia Papamichalopoulos is an Olympic Alpine skier who represented Cyprus at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, competing alongside her brother and carrying the national flag at the Closing Ceremony. She is a medical doctor and general surgeon who remains deeply engaged in sport and the Olympic Movement.

Sophia serves as a member of the IOC Health, Medicine and Science Commission, the IOC Olympic Programme Commission, and the World Sailing Medical Commission. Inspired by her conflict-affected homeland, she uses her dual career in medicine and sport to advocate for peacebuilding, gender equality and youth empowerment.

Project: Winds of Change

Winds of Change is a peacebuilding sailing initiative that brings together young people from Cyprus’ divided Greek- and Turkish-speaking communities. By combining sailing with youth leadership development, the project challenges, empowers and inspires participants to collaborate and envision a shared future.

In September 2023, on the International Day of Peace, Winds of Change achieved the first circumnavigation of Cyprus in 50 years. This historic voyage was documented in a film that premiered during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, inspiring thousands of people worldwide to see how sport can bridge divides and foster peace.

Since its creation, the initiative has engaged more than 2,500 people through sailing projects, youth engagement workshops and international outreach activities. By addressing not only peace and inclusion, but also sustainability and ocean stewardship, Winds of Change has grown into a holistic programme that uses sport to drive reconciliation, resilience and hope.

ONLINE:

Winds of Change on Instagram
Winds of Change on LinkedIn
Instagram
LinkedIn

Sustained Financing

In recognition of the impact of her project, Sophia was granted sustained financing, extending her term as an IOC Young Leader until the end of 2025. This additional funding supports the scaling and long-term sustainability of Winds of Change, building on the progress made during her initial term.