“These medals are very special”: Ukrainian athletes send emotional message

So far at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Ukrainian delegation has won 11 medals in the competition to occupy 18th place in the medal table. Three gold, four silver and four gold medals has been the record of the Europeans so far.

Fencing, athletics, shooting and boxing are some of the disciplines in which Ukraine has had its athletes on the podium. Although it was a joyous moment for the athletes, many took it in a bittersweet way.

And we must not forget that Ukraine is still involved in an armed conflict with Russia that began more than two years ago. And Ukrainian athletes have made sure to remind us of this with every medal they have won at these Olympic Games.

“The world has forgotten us, there is still war. This gold medal goes to all the soldiers who have lost their lives and continue to fight to defend us at home,” Olga Kharlan told the newspaper. Brand after winning gold in fencing in the team sabre category.

“The Paris Games were very difficult for Ukrainian athletes. Every athlete has his or her own story, every athlete has suffered in his or her own way. Some athletes have lost someone, others are fighting on the front, others have died in the war and cannot be here.”

“It’s a burden on the heart and soul, but we are here for Ukraine and we are very proud to represent our country. These medals are very special,” continued the fencer who also took bronze in the individual event.

Kharlan also spoke about the 15 Russian athletes who were allowed to participate in these Olympics under the “neutral” flag. For the Ukrainian, this is totally unfair and causes her great anger.

“Of course it bothers me. I don’t think that people from the aggressor country should be here. Many people from that country (Russia) have not come and in fencing, fortunately, there are no competitors and that is a great victory for us,” the fencer concluded.

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