Despite the destruction of around 500 Ukrainian Paralympic sports facilities by Russia, Ukrainian athletes have managed to prepare for the Paris games in precarious conditions. The team is expected to perform better than they did in Tokyo 2020, despite the challenges they have faced. Many athletes have had to train in war-torn areas, surviving occupation and homelessness, while others were forced to leave the country due to constant shelling. Euronews spoke to some of these athletes to understand how they have managed to overcome these obstacles and continue their training.
One athlete, long-jumper Oleksandr Lytvynenko, was forced to leave Odesa when the city came under heavy bombardment. He moved to a village in the Odesa region where he trained without any equipment, in temperatures reaching 45°C without electricity or air conditioning. Despite the difficult conditions, Lytvynenko managed to win a bronze medal at the Paris Paralympics. However, he expressed disappointment at finishing behind a Russian athlete, highlighting the tensions between Ukrainian and Russian athletes in the Paralympic Village.
Swimmer Anton Kol from Dnipro also faced challenges, as two sporting facilities in the city were badly damaged. Despite the difficulties, Kol won a bronze and a silver medal at the Paris Games. He expressed his determination to return to his city, even though it remains under bombardment. Kol is now helping war amputees with their rehabilitation, hoping to show them that life goes on even after such traumatic experiences. These athletes have shown resilience and determination in the face of adversity, continuing to pursue their sporting dreams despite the challenges they have faced.
The acrimony between Ukrainian and Russian athletes at the Paralympics reflects the broader tensions between the two countries due to the war in Ukraine. Eligible Russian athletes are allowed to compete under a neutral banner, but there are still conflicts and provocations between the athletes. Ukrainian athletes have reported being called ‘Nazis’ by Russian athletes, with attempts to provoke reactions on camera. Despite these challenges, Ukrainian athletes have remained focused on their training and their goals, determined to represent their country with pride at the Paralympics.
The war in Ukraine has had a significant impact on the lives of Paralympic athletes, forcing them to train in dangerous and unstable conditions. Many have had to leave their homes and face constant threats of shelling, yet they have continued to pursue their sporting dreams with determination and resilience. These athletes have shown remarkable courage in the face of adversity, refusing to let the war destroy their passion for sports. Despite the challenges they have faced, Ukrainian Paralympic athletes are determined to succeed at the Paris Games and show the world the strength and spirit of Ukraine.
As the Paralympic Games in Paris approach, Ukrainian athletes are preparing to compete against the best in the world, despite the obstacles they have faced. They have overcome destruction, displacement, and constant threats to pursue their passion for sports and represent their country on the international stage. These athletes are an inspiration not only to the people of Ukraine but to the global community, demonstrating the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges they have faced, Ukrainian Paralympic athletes are ready to show the world what they are capable of and make their country proud at the Paris Games.
