BTN News: For Ukrainian hurdler Anna Ryzhykova, every step she takes on the Paris Olympic track means much more than just her race time. Her competitions are not just personal battles anymore; they are part of a bigger fight. Ryzhykova’s goal is not just winning gold; she also wants to draw attention to her country’s struggle against Russia. “You no longer do it for yourself. Winning for yourself and achieving your dreams feels wrong,” she says, showing the heavy emotional load the war puts on athletes.
Ukraine’s Difficult Path to Olympic Success
The war has made it much harder for Ukraine to win the medals it used to. The Associated Press shows how Ukraine struggles to keep its place as a strong sports nation after the Soviet Union. Athletes like Oksana Baiul, who won Ukraine’s first Olympic gold in figure skating in 1994, and stars like pole vaulter Sergei Bubka and the Klitschko brothers in boxing, once made Ukraine famous in sports.
In the Summer Olympics, Ukraine showed its growing skills, finishing among the top 13 countries by medal count in London 2012. But performances went down after 2014, when Russia took over Crimea, leading to years of conflict in eastern Ukraine.
The War’s Effect on Ukrainian Athletes
Russia’s full invasion in 2022 made it even harder for Ukraine to succeed in sports. The 11 medals Ukraine won at the Rio 2016 Olympics were the fewest it had ever won as an independent nation, dropping to 22nd place. Ukraine did a bit better, finishing 16th in Tokyo 2021, but with only one gold medal, another historic low.
War takes a heavy toll, costing lives and resources, and it also places a mental burden on athletes. Many Ukrainian athletes struggle with the moral question of training while others fight on the front lines. High jumper Oleh Doroshchuk, a top contender for Paris 2024, has learned to ignore air raid sirens during training. But he still wonders if it is right to focus on sports while others defend the country. “I think everyone has these thoughts,” he says. “Many people I know are fighting, and some have been killed.”
The Damage to Ukraine’s Sports Facilities and Morale
Since the war started in February 2022, over 500 sports facilities in Ukraine have been destroyed. The war has taken the lives of athletes, coaches, and sports officials, some of whom might have had the chance to qualify for Paris. The damage goes beyond buildings, affecting the morale and spirit of the sports community.
Ukrainian Athletes Will Compete Against Russian and Belarusian Competitors in Paris
In Paris, Ukrainian athletes will face another challenge: competing against athletes from Russia and Belarus, who will participate as neutrals after checks to make sure they have not supported the invasion publicly or been linked to military or state security agencies. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned these nations from team sports in Paris but did not go for a complete ban.
Ryzhykova finds it hard to think about competing against these athletes, saying, “It will be a challenge because there is no room for defeat or injury. It’s tough, but there’s motivation and responsibility.”
New Motivation for Ukrainian Athletes
For many Ukrainian athletes, the drive to compete now comes from a larger national cause. Their performance on the global stage shows resilience and determination. They aim to bring attention to Ukraine’s struggles and inspire their fellow citizens.
As the Paris Olympics near, Ukrainian athletes like Ryzhykova and Doroshchuk continue to train, driven by a sense of duty and a desire to honor their country. Their fight goes beyond personal glory; it’s about representing a nation fighting for its future.
The journey of Ukrainian athletes to the Paris Olympics shows their resilience. Despite the challenges of war, they remain determined to compete and show their strength on the world stage. Their story is a strong reminder of the enduring spirit of sports and the human ability to overcome difficulties.
