BTN News: Nearly two and a half years after Russia’s military invasion dramatically altered their lives, Ukrainian athletes heading to Paris 2024 view the Olympics as a chance to elevate their country’s name and remind the world that the war continues. For these athletes, the Games represent more than just sports; they are a platform to showcase Ukraine’s resilience and spirit.
“The main victory for us now is that Ukraine will be present at the event with its flag, demonstrating our spirit and strength,” said Vadim Gutzeit, the head of the Ukrainian Olympic Committee (UOC) and a former fencer who won a gold medal in Barcelona 1992. Gutzeit highlights the challenging circumstances in Ukraine and explains how the Russian military aggression has impacted Ukrainian athletes, who have still managed to qualify for the Games despite the adversities.
Overcoming the Impact of War
“The war has had many consequences for us; our athletes have left the country, Russians are killing civilians, and destroying many infrastructures, including sports facilities; these are very difficult times for us,” Gutzeit explains.
In the early days of the war, while serving as the Minister of Sports, Gutzeit reached out to Olympic committees, federations, and other sports organizations worldwide to seek support for Ukrainian athletes stranded outside Ukraine due to the invasion. The response was overwhelmingly positive, allowing Ukrainian athletes to stay and train abroad without missing upcoming competitions.
Tales of Resilience and Determination
One such athlete is Ukrainian gymnast Illia Kovtun. On February 24, 2024, when Russian tanks first entered Ukraine and missiles began falling on Kyiv and other cities, Kovtun was in Cottbus, Germany, competing in the Artistic Gymnastics World Cup with his fellow Ukrainian gymnasts. Despite the turmoil, Kovtun did not withdraw from the competition. He won gold in parallel bars and silver in the pommel horse event. Kovtun stood on the podium with Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak, who wore a “Z” on his uniform to show support for Russia’s military aggression.
Ukraine fears that other Russian athletes might use the Games to display pro-war symbols and has unsuccessfully requested the exclusion of all Russian athletes from the Olympics.
Kovtun’s athletic achievements continued in subsequent competitions in Doha and Cairo, turning the 20-year-old into a symbol of resistance for many Ukrainians. Instead of returning to war-torn Ukraine, Kovtun and his teammates found refuge in Germany, Italy, Monaco, and Croatia, where they continued training and competing.
Aiming for Glory
Kovtun was part of the Ukrainian men’s gymnastics team that won the European Championship in April. The team hopes to replicate this success at the Paris Games. Ukraine also has high hopes for its K4 canoeing team, comprising Oleh Kukharyk, Ihor Trunov, Dmytro Danylenko, and Ivan Semikin. Before the war, the team trained in Dnipro, an industrial city central to Ukraine, named after the country’s main river. Due to its proximity to the front lines, the team has relocated to Kyiv for safety.
All Ukrainian athletes training near conflict zones have moved to safer areas within or outside Ukraine. The Russian invasion has destroyed over 500 sports infrastructures across the country.
Personal Costs of the War
Beyond logistical challenges, the war has deeply affected the personal lives of all Ukrainians, including Olympic athletes. Kukharyk, a member of the K4 canoeing team, recently shared in an interview that his father is fighting in the Donetsk region, one of the hottest fronts of the war.
According to Ukrainian sports journalist Evgen Sherbakov, Ukraine has medal prospects in about 15 events. Boxer Oleksandr Khyzhniak, air pistol shooter Olena Kostevych, and high jumpers Yaroslava Mahuchikh and Maryna Bekh-Romanchuk are among the favorites for gold.
Conclusion
The journey to Paris 2024 is not just about winning medals for Ukrainian athletes; it’s a testament to their unwavering spirit and determination amidst adversity. As they prepare to compete on the world stage, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of a nation striving for peace and recognition. The Olympic Games serve as a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest times, the human spirit can triumph.
