Zelensky praises the Olympic team: "Proud of our team"

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, nearly 500 athletes or coaches have been killed. At the OS in Paris, the country will participate with its smallest team ever. Now they are receiving support from their president Volodymyr Zelenskyj – and children's drawings in the OS village.

» Published: July 26 2024

Zelensky praises the Olympic team: "Proud of our team"
Photo: Evgeniy Maloletka/AP/TT

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, nearly 500 athletes or coaches have been killed.

At the OS in Paris, the country will participate with its smallest team ever.

Now they are receiving support from their president Volodymyr Zelenskyj – and children's drawings in the OS village.

Ukraine's OS team consists of 140 participants. The smallest since the country gained independence. And all of them are not only fighting for themselves, but also for their people.

On Friday, they received support from Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyj, who wrote on X:

"Our people, our flag and our anthem stand with all who respect life, human values, Olympic principles and fair rules. We are proud of our team – men and women who, despite this aggressive war, have managed to prepare for the OS."

In Ukraine's part of the OS village, there are children's drawings with messages such as: "The resilient do not give up and strive for victory" and "Glory to the Ukrainian armed forces." These drawings, which are a tradition to support Ukrainian soldiers on the front line, are now cheering on the country's athletes.

It warms my heart, says fencer Olga Kharlan to AP.

At last year's VM, Kharlan fenced against Russian Anna Smirnova and refused to shake hands with the Russian after the match. The Ukrainian was disqualified, but was still awarded a place in Paris by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

"Dedicated, fearless and determined"

Ukrainian athlete Natalja Dobrynska, who won OS gold in 2008, explains that the OS means more than just competition:

Athletes representing Ukraine are not just going there for themselves, but also to show the rest of the world that we are not defeated. To make sure the rest of the world sees and hears what is happening in the heart of Europe. To give people back home in Ukraine moments of joy and make them forget the war for a while, she says to AFP.

"An unbreakable people"

Since Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, nearly 500 athletes and coaches have died, according to AFP. Much of the infrastructure has disappeared. This has made preparations for the OS in Paris difficult for many.

One of them is judoka Dilshot Khalmatov, who reinforces the image to Radiosporten that his OS participation is not just about winning a medal, but also about showing strength to the rest of the world.

We step onto the mat to show that we are an unbreakable people who can compete, even under these conditions, says Dilshot Khalmatov.

Tags

TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Tai Woffinden's Family Faces Uncertainty
1 MIN READ

Tai Woffinden's Family Faces Uncertainty After Speedway Crash

Ovechkin's Hat-Trick Puts Him Three
2 MIN READ

Ovechkin's Hat-Trick Puts Him Three Goals Shy of Gretzky's Record

Wayne Gretzky Faces Criticism Over
3 MIN READ

Wayne Gretzky Faces Criticism Over Silence on Canada-US Tensions

Disruptions Mar Örebro Soccer Match
1 MIN READ

Disruptions Mar Örebro Soccer Match as Bottle Thrown on Field

AIK Struggles in Semifinal Opener
1 MIN READ

AIK Struggles in Semifinal Opener with Ineffective Power Play

Elanga's Stunning Goal Secures Nottingham's
1 MIN READ

Elanga's Stunning Goal Secures Nottingham's Win Over Man United

Gabriel Faces Injury Setback as
1 MIN READ

Gabriel Faces Injury Setback as Saka Returns for Arsenal's Champions League Clash

Norway's Top Soccer League Ensures
1 MIN READ

Norway's Top Soccer League Ensures Contract Extensions for Pregnant Players

Premier League to Debut Semi-Automated
1 MIN READ

Premier League to Debut Semi-Automated Offside Tech Next Week

NBA Brawl Leads to Suspension
1 MIN READ

NBA Brawl Leads to Suspension of Five Players After Detroit-Minnesota Game

Häcken's Leo Väisänen Out for
1 MIN READ

Häcken's Leo Väisänen Out for Season After Debut Injury

Jennifer Falk Faces Goalkeeping Challenge
3 MIN READ

Jennifer Falk Faces Goalkeeping Challenge as Sweden Prepares for Euro 2024

Norwegian Skiers Cleared to Train
2 MIN READ

Norwegian Skiers Cleared to Train as Leaders' Bans Continue

Färjestad Coach Departs After Playoff
2 MIN READ

Färjestad Coach Departs After Playoff Exit; Club Legend Jönsson Set to Return

Haaland Expected to Return in
1 MIN READ

Haaland Expected to Return in 5-7 Weeks After Foot Injury

Experts Propose Global Sports Body
2 MIN READ

Experts Propose Global Sports Body to Tackle Corruption and Crime

Tennis Star Daria Kasatkina Leaves
1 MIN READ

Tennis Star Daria Kasatkina Leaves Russia to Compete for Australia

Gustavsson's Stunning Save Can't Prevent
1 MIN READ

Gustavsson's Stunning Save Can't Prevent Minnesota's Second Loss to New Jersey

Sweden's Curling Team Secures Third
1 MIN READ

Sweden's Curling Team Secures Third Straight Win at World Championship

Trump's Tariff Threats Stir Anxiety
2 MIN READ

Trump's Tariff Threats Stir Anxiety in Hockey Equipment Industry

Swedish NBA Rookie Pelle Larsson
1 MIN READ

Swedish NBA Rookie Pelle Larsson Shines in Miami's Victory Over Washington

Haaland Sidelined Indefinitely with Foot
1 MIN READ

Haaland Sidelined Indefinitely with Foot Injury, City Hopes for Season Return

Södertälje Takes Lead in Heated
2 MIN READ

Södertälje Takes Lead in Heated Semifinal Against Djurgården

17-Year-Old Ivar Stenberg Propels Frölunda
3 MIN READ

17-Year-Old Ivar Stenberg Propels Frölunda to Semifinals

Celina's Late Header Secures AIK
2 MIN READ

Celina's Late Header Secures AIK Victory at Gamla Ullevi

Swedish Referees Selected for European
1 MIN READ

Swedish Referees Selected for European Championship Duty

Malmö FF Fans Face Charges
1 MIN READ

Malmö FF Fans Face Charges for Nazi Salutes During Match

AI Tool Shields Ski Stars
2 MIN READ

AI Tool Shields Ski Stars from Online Hate with Zero Tolerance

Tai Woffinden Sedated After Surgery
1 MIN READ

Tai Woffinden Sedated After Surgery Following Polish Speedway Crash

Halmstad BK Condemns Fans' Taunts
2 MIN READ

Halmstad BK Condemns Fans' Taunts as Billionaire Withdraws Sponsorship

Bukayo Saka Returns to Boost
2 MIN READ

Bukayo Saka Returns to Boost Arsenal Ahead of Fulham Clash

Sweden Eyes NBA Star Pelle
3 MIN READ

Sweden Eyes NBA Star Pelle Larsson for European Basketball Championship

Tearful Gjert Ingebrigtsen Denies Abuse
3 MIN READ

Tearful Gjert Ingebrigtsen Denies Abuse Allegations in Court

Kempe Scores Twice as Kings
1 MIN READ

Kempe Scores Twice as Kings Set New Home Win Record

Ovetjkin Nears Gretzky's NHL Goal
1 MIN READ

Ovetjkin Nears Gretzky's NHL Goal Record with Latest Score

Niklas Edin's Team Bounces Back
1 MIN READ

Niklas Edin's Team Bounces Back with Two Wins at World Championship

Teenager Jakub Mensik Defeats Djokovic
1 MIN READ

Teenager Jakub Mensik Defeats Djokovic to Claim Miami ATP Title

Min Woo Lee Claims First
1 MIN READ

Min Woo Lee Claims First PGA Tour Victory as Svensson Stumbles

Speedway Champion Tai Woffinden Hospitalized
1 MIN READ

Speedway Champion Tai Woffinden Hospitalized After Serious Crash

Haaland Injured in City's FA
1 MIN READ

Haaland Injured in City's FA Cup Win Over Bournemouth