Ukrainian Athletes Shine Despite War-Torn Homeland

Ukrainian athletes, including high jumpers Yaroslava Mahuchikh and Iryna Gerashchenko, overcame significant challenges to win medals at the Paris Olympics. Due to Russia's invasion, their journeys home are complex and arduous. World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has been a staunch supporter, reinforcing the ban on Russian athletes and offering moral support during medal ceremonies.

There won't be any quick trips home for Ukraine's medalists at the Paris Olympics.

High jumpers Yaroslava Mahuchikh and Iryna Gerashchenko, along with hammer thrower Mykhaylo Kokhan, scored medals on Monday after a memorable night in track and field for the war-stricken country. Gold for Mahuchikh, and bronzes for Gerashchenko and Kokhan, but none of them can hop on a direct flight to Ukraine.

All three had fled their country following Russia's invasion, with only Gerashchenko returning immediately via a complex route involving planes and a long bus journey. "It's not easy," remarked Gerashchenko.

Despite these hardships, the athletes received support from World Athletics president Sebastian Coe. The track and field federation has banned Russian athletes in international competitions since February 2022. Coe personally placed the medals around Mahuchikh and Gerashchenko's necks during the high jump ceremony, offering words of encouragement.

Coe's visit to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv last month underscored his solidarity. Zelenskyy, unable to attend the Paris meet, congratulated his athletes via social media, highlighting Ukrainian resilience. "Ukrainians know how to be strong and how to win," he wrote.

Despite the challenges, Ukraine earned more medals than any other country at the Stade de France, with Noah Lyles winning the 100 meters on a blockbuster Sunday. Kokhan, from Zaporizhzhia, resides in Turkey with his family and pets, facing a grueling 30-hour trip back. Mahuchikh, from Dnipro, will not return home until October after her Diamond League season.

"Today I really realized that I'm an Olympic champion," said Mahuchikh, reflecting on her achievement.

(With inputs from agencies.)