Paris Olympics: Ukrainians hoping to provide welcome distraction during Russia conflict
- It will be the country’s eighth consecutive appearance at the Games since declaring independence in 1991
Amid the continued war with Russia, more than 120 athletes from Ukraine will compete in the Paris Games in what will be the country’s eighth consecutive appearance since declaring independence in 1991.
While those watching at home do so with the conflict still raging, the nation’s Olympic representatives hope to provide a welcome distraction and hopefully a reason to celebrate.
Here are five members of the delegation who could make make an impact on the medal table in the French capital.
Zhan Beleniuk
A prominent figure in Greco-Roman wrestling, Beleniuk won a silver medal in the 85kg division at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and a gold in the 87kg division in the delayed Tokyo Games three years ago.
Born in 1991, he began his journey into the sport at the age of nine and achieved his first international success with a bronze medal at the 2012 European Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.
His enduring excellence in the sport is further highlighted by multiple World and European Championships titles over the previous decade.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Beleniuk has also made a mark in politics. He became the first person of mixed race to be elected to the Ukrainian parliament in 2019.
