Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded athletes during Independence Day celebrations
World Heavyweight Champion Alexander Usik and Olympic champion in sabre fencing Olga Harlan received awards “Order of Liberty”.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded the athletes during the ceremonial events dedicated to Ukraine’s Independence Day. It is reported that the athletes were awarded “for outstanding achievements in the assertion of Ukraine’s independence and the consolidation of society, significant contribution to strengthening the authority of the Ukrainian State in the world and outstanding achievements in sports.”
Earlier, Usyk and Harlan were awarded the title of “National Legend of Ukraine”. The traditional ceremony took place on the eve of the National Flag Day and Independence Day of Ukraine.
Harlan is a two-time Olympic champion in sabre fencing (she won her second gold at the recent 2024 Olympics), a six-time world champion, and an eight-time European champion. Olga also previously received the “Cross of Honor” commemorative badge of the Security Service of Ukraine.
Usyk is the 2012 London Olympic champion, the first absolute world heavyweight champion in many years, having won this title in 2024 in a legendary fight against Briton Tyson Fury. As stated on the website of the President of Ukraine: “Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, his foundation has been helping the affected families. He held seven charity auctions and transferred about 740 thousand dollars in support of the Ukrainian army.”
Source: Sportarena
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