Nataliya Dobyns, Ukraine’s 2008 heptathlon Olympic champion, told AFP that the Paris Games could raise global awareness about the devastating war in her country, which is “destroying the lives of our athletes, coaches, and all Ukrainians.”
The 42-year-old official, a member of World Athletics’ governing Council, described the 2008 Beijing Olympics as “one of the proudest moments” of her life. However, she said the upcoming Paris Olympics holds special meaning for Ukraine, as the country is currently at war.
Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, nearly 500 Ukrainian coaches and athletes have been killed. Moreover, large parts of the country’s sporting infrastructure that hosted the 2012 European football championship have been destroyed.
Dobyns, who is also the vice-president of the Ukrainian athletics federation, acknowledged that medals in track and field would be welcome. Their biggest hope for gold is the new women’s high jump world record holder, Yaroslava Makuuchi. However, she emphasized that simply being in Paris sends a powerful message in itself.
“Right now, every Ukrainian athlete embodies the pain and horror that our country and our people are experiencing,” she said. “Every athlete representing Ukraine does so not only for themselves, but to let the world know that we are unbroken, to make sure the world hears what is happening in the heart of Europe, and responds.”
“The Flag Flies High In The” Paris Olympic Games 2024 In Ukraine
Dobresnski, a mother of three young children, left Ukraine following the Russian invasion, explaining, “I need to take care of them.” She said that preparing for the Olympics is challenging enough, without the added stress that the current generation of athletes must endure.
“The athletes are deeply concerned for their families, friends, and other loved ones back in Ukraine, who face constant threats.”
The athletes credit the external support they received, including preparing in Slovakia for last year’s world championships, as crucial to their “difficult journey” to the Paris Olympics.
With the track and field events set to begin in a week, she hopes the hard work of all involved will be rewarded, as these Olympics will be free of Russian and Belarusian athletes due to the World Athletics ban.
Oleksandr Usyk’s historic victory over Tyson Fury to become the first heavyweight champion to hold all four major boxing titles – the IBF, WBO, WBA, and WBC belts – has been praised for boosting morale in Ukraine. Usyk’s split-decision win in Saudi Arabia in May marked a proud moment for the country.
Despite the inescapable challenges they face, our athletes remain dedicated, brave, and determined.
This Post information source by (www.kyivpost.com)