Page 21 - Reflections_over_Akamas

Nasos Ktorides

A love of adventure, the accident, recovery & new challenges

From a young age, I have loved adventure and setting targets. As an active sportsman,
I find it intriguing to take on challenges and follow an unconventional path.

Repaying the gift of life requires honesty, integrity, and actions that accentuate the
virtues of a colleague or fellow citizen. Community service should be a part of our
everyday lives and determine how we conduct our business.

That is why I enjoy discovering new things with friends and connecting with like-minded
people who are driven to achieve greater heights.

Running, in particular, has been a lifelong passion of mine. I have participated in classic
marathons in Athens and Boston, as well as the North Pole and Antarctica, often to
support charities such as UNICEF. In 2010, my associates and I organised the first-ever
Nicosia Marathon with the aim of promoting a healthy mind in a healthy body, inspired
by our ancestors’ spirit. But is running enough? Is there more that could be done?

Recently, I have explored various forms of flying, such as freefall parachuting, wingsuit
flying, and power paragliding. This has allowed me to appreciate the beauty of Cyprus
and other countries from high above, a fascination that I still enjoy today, and I enjoy
sharing these flights with those who are close to my heart.

August 5, 2014, marked a defining moment in my life. While paragliding with a friend
over the scenic Akamas, I encountered unexpected crosswinds, that led to a harrowing
150-foot fall into a ravine, resulting in multiple fractures. Swiftly reached by the Cyprus Reaching the North Pole
rescue services, I was airlifted first to Paphos hospital and then to a private hospital in
Nicosia. There, I underwent a grueling 16-hour surgery to address a total of 30 injuries.
Remarkably, none of these injuries affected my vital organs. As my team of doctors
planned further corrective interventions, they expressed confidence in a recovery
timeline of 6-12 months. However, fueled by determination and a steadfast love for
marathon running, I set my sights on a quicker return to the sport that has always been
my passion.

No matter where I am or what I’m doing, I’m perpetually reminded of nature’s
unpredictable ways and the need to be prepared for the unexpected. My journey Marathon Flame, South Pole - Antarctica
to recovery has been more than just physical healing; it has been a testament to
unwavering determination, a commitment to never yield in the face of adversity, and to
persevere through every challenge.

This book serves as a tribute to the magnificent beauty of Akamas and a reminder of
how nature continually tests our resolve. It underscores the importance of respecting
Mother Nature. I invite you to enjoy the aerial photographs captured from my
paraglider, which hold a special place in my heart. Through these pages, I look forward
to sharing with all of you not only the views, but also the emotions they evoke.

Nasos Ktorides