Ukrainian Athletes Turn Olympic Struggle into Symbol of National Resilience

Ukrainian hurdler Anna Ryzhykova and her compatriots are transforming their Olympic ambitions into a fight for national recognition amidst the ongoing war with Russia. Despite the loss of training facilities and psychological burdens, they're determined to draw global attention to Ukraine's struggle for survival.

For Ukrainian hurdler Anna Ryzhykova, each stride on the Paris Olympic track transcends mere athletic achievement. Her competitions have evolved into a platform to highlight her country's dire battle for survival against Russia.

"You're no longer doing it for yourself," Ryzhykova explained. "Winning a medal solely for personal glory feels inappropriate." For Ukraine, a post-Soviet sports powerhouse, securing medals has become increasingly challenging amid the ongoing conflict, an Associated Press analysis reveals.

This report is part of an AP series that captures the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on Ukrainian athletes, coaches, and sports facilities ahead of the Paris Olympics. AP republishes it as Ryzhykova gears up for the 400-meter hurdles semifinals.

High jumper Oleh Doroshchuk has learned to ignore air raid sirens to continue training. Still, the psychological toll of the war weighs heavily on him as he questions the moral implications of focusing on athletics while his peers defend the front lines.

The sports community has suffered greatly, with over 500 Ukrainian sports facilities destroyed and many athletes, coaches, and mentors lost to the conflict. Despite these hardships, Ukrainian athletes remain steadfast in their mission: to draw international attention to their nation's plight through their performances on the global stage.

(With inputs from agencies.)