Inspiration
Alex Tofalides is the author of Fighting for your Dream: Mastering Resilience and Performing when it Really Matters. He was inspired to write it by his own 21 years of effort to reach the Olympics. In his story, he shares how we can all master our setbacks and limitations to perform when it really matters and achieve our ultimate goal.
Alex’s story is proof that dreams are worth pursuing, no matter how long they take or how many obstacles lie in the way. I hope his words inspire you, as they have inspired me, to think strategically, to believe fiercely and, above all, to never give up.
Theo Paphitis
Retail magmate and former Dragons' Den panellist
%203_JPG.jpg)
Experience
As part of the elite British fencing programme, Alex became a British and European champion, but missed qualifying for London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021. After switching to Cyprus, he became his own coach and qualified for Paris 2024, the first fencer from Cyprus to ever reach the Games. He is now in training for LA 2028.
Over time, Alex built an approach grounded in courage, honesty and a determination to keep learning … in Fighting for your Dream, he captures that journey brilliantly and I’d recommend it to athletes, coaches and anyone striving to perform at their best.
Katie Warriner
Performance psychologist to winners of Olympic gold with Team GB
Presenter
Alex regularly shares what he has learnt about resilience, strategy, analysis and psychology at presentations and workshops. In English, Greek, Arabic, Spanish or French, he speaks to those who are looking to master the pressure to fulfil their own ambitions, whether in education, athletics or business.
Alex takes you on a journey filled with passion, sacrifice and unshakeable belief. As a fellow Cypriot Olympian, his openness about the setbacks and his laser‑focused preparation offers valuable lessons for anyone striving for excellence.
Pavlos Kontides
Double Olympic medallist in sailing
_JPG.jpg)
Voice
For Alex, performing at the top level is about more than talent. It is about being dedicated and smart enough to give yourself the chance to compete against the best. As a speaker and author, he shares his own experience of the highs and lows that such intensity brings, speaking with the experience of someone who within two weeks lost his father and become European champion.
Alex distils the hard‑won lessons of his twenty‑year quest to become Cyprus’ first Olympic fencer into principles that resonate deeply with me as an investor and leader. His story of overcoming repeated setbacks, analysing data to inform strategy and investing in daily habits offers powerful insights for anyone building an organisation or a career.
Babatunde Soyoye
Co‑founder and managing partner, Helios Investment Partners
_JPG.jpg)