Champion Oleksandr Usyk Boosts Ukrainian Olympians Amid War

Heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk visits Paris to support Ukrainian athletes at the Olympics during the ongoing war at home. He watched Olga Kharlan win a bronze medal in fencing, marking Ukraine's first medal at the 2024 Olympics. Usyk emphasized the significance of their presence amid daily challenges.

Heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has arrived in Paris to lend his support to Ukrainian athletes competing in the Olympics amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

On Monday, Usyk visited the Ukrainian House in Paris and watched from there as Olga Kharlan secured a bronze medal in women's individual saber, marking Ukraine's first medal at the 2024 Olympics. “My personal wish was, and I probably knew, that Olga is one of those people who would bring a medal for Ukraine,” Usyk told the Associated Press shortly after the medal win.

Usyk expressed optimism about more medals to come as competitions continue. He highlighted the significance of Ukraine’s presence at the Olympics despite daily missile strikes, damaged sports infrastructure, and the occupation of regions home to many athletes. “We are at war. But our athletes still came,” he said. “They are fighting.” Usyk, known for his Olympic ring tattoos, emphasized the importance of supporting Olympians like boxer Oleksandr Khyzhniak who is aiming for gold at the 2024 Olympics after falling short in Tokyo. “He has unfinished business that he has set for himself, which is the Olympic gold,” Usyk remarked.