Olympia 2024: “We are the strongest nation in the world” – This night belonged to Ukraine | EUROtoday

DThe majority of the spectators not solely applauded, additionally they rose from their seats, and naturally this was extra than simply recognition of the sporting achievements. Yaroslava Mahutschich and Iryna Gerashchenko are Ukrainians and had began the lap of honour within the Stade de France. Mahutschich, the favorite and world report holder, jumped 2.00 metres to win the gold medal, whereas Gerashchenko was delighted to take bronze with a leap of 1.95 metres.

It had lengthy been unclear whether or not they would be capable to compete in any respect. Their nation's National Olympic Committee had thought of a boycott nicely into the summer season, given the unclear alternatives for Russian and Belarusian athletes to take part.

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As the group ended up being a manageable 32 athletes competing as impartial athletes, Ukraine determined to participate. On the one hand, to present its athletes the chance to compete with the perfect on this planet. On the opposite hand, to present folks within the nation, which has been battered by the Russian conflict of aggression, some distraction and pleasure. But above all, to remind folks of what’s occurring in Ukraine in the course of the greatest sporting occasion, amidst all the enjoyment and celebration.

The concern of being forgotten or left alone is as fixed a companion because the information of fallen relations, associates or neighbors, fellow athletes, coaches or physiotherapists. The Ukrainian House, positioned within the northeast of Paris, is maybe the saddest place of those video games, but in addition one of the vital vital. Unfortunately, it’s considerably hidden.

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But on Sunday night, three Ukrainians used the large stage to ship all of the vital messages out into the world. Yaroslav Mahuchich, Iryna Gerashchenko and Mykhailo Kochan, who additionally gained bronze within the hammer throw, grew to become ambassadors for his or her nation. The ninth day of competitors resulted in a Ukrainian night time.

Kochan's because of Ukraine's supporters

“This evening is a time to celebrate, a time when we don't think about the war. And I am proud to be here in this stadium with our flag. That is very important in these hard times. People are waiting for us to win medals,” stated Kochan, wrapped in his nation's flag.

“I had to smile before every jump because the atmosphere was so beautiful,” stated Mahutschich, who gained the primary Ukrainian excessive leap gold in historical past. “On behalf of all the people of Ukraine, I would like to thank everyone in the world who supports us and our country,” stated Kochan, who fought as a soldier on the entrance strains in the course of the conflict however was referred to as up for the Olympic Games and was allowed to arrange for Paris in Estonia, as he stated.

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“Fortunately, they allowed me to represent our country here on the international stage. I am more useful here than there,” he stated, explaining his assertion: “I can remind people that we are still at war and that we have to do something. By winning three medals, we were able to bring our Ukrainian spirit to the stadium. We waved our flag. That means a lot.”

The first to take action that night was Gerashchenko, who, like Kochan, was in fourth place in Tokyo 2021. When the excessive leap competitors in Paris was over, she ran at full velocity in direction of the brand new Olympic champion and wrapped her compatriot within the Ukrainian flag.

“For Ukraine, this is a moment of strength. For our military and our people, this is a great celebration. Many people at home support our athletes, share their emotions and feelings with us.” It was due to this fact not shocking to whom she devoted her success: “We share our medals with our Ukrainian compatriots and the Ukrainian military,” she stated, passing the ball on to the troopers as if her leap of 1.95 meters may result in new successes on the entrance line: “Ukraine will of course win this war. And I hope it will be very soon. We Ukrainians are very strong people. We have a strong military, a very brave military. We are tired, the war has been going on for a long time. But we still have much more strength than others suspect.”

“The Russians are killing our people”

All three have already misplaced associates on the entrance or in Russian assaults, and know associates, neighbors or relations who’re deployed. “The Russians are killing our people,” Mahutschich made it clear as soon as once more: “Many athletes died in this war. They will never be able to take part, will never celebrate, will never be able to experience this atmosphere. I would like to dedicate my medal to all those who fell.”

The sacrifices are nice, however freedom and democracy have to be defended in any respect prices. The hammer thrower then emphasised that that is solely attainable with the assistance of sturdy and energetic companions: “On behalf of all the people of Ukraine, I would like to thank everyone in the world who supports us and our country.”

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Gerashchenko didn’t wish to contradict this, but in addition emphasised the help, “but we ourselves are the strongest nation in the world.” This now additionally applies to the ladies's excessive leap. After the 2 medals, quite a few messages got here from house, reported the 29-year-old: “I know that the joy over our medals at the front is very great.”