The Olympic champion called on European sports leaders to continue to exclude athletes from Russia and Belarus from participating in international competitions
Ukrainian athlete, Olympic champion Yaroslav Maguchikh took part in the event “Youth Initiative” within the framework of the 18th Conference of Ministers of Sports of the Member States Council of Europe.
Ukrainian together with the Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Matvey Bedny presented at the Conference a photo exhibition on the impact of the war on Ukrainian sports. In her speech, Yaroslava told how the war affected her life.
The famous Ukrainian athlete also addressed all delegates with a speech in which she called for continued exclusion of athletes from Russia and Belarus from participation in international competitions while the bloody war waged by the aggressor and his accomplice continues on the territory of Ukraine – in the very heart of Europe.
“More than 500 athletes and coaches died in this brutal war. And these are not just numbers – these are our friends, colleagues, our dreams, our future. Thousands of Ukrainian children were shamelessly kidnapped and taken from our country. Among them may be future Olympic champions, talented coaches, doctors, and perhaps even future ministers. The war is destroying our country and the future of our sport,” Maguchikh said.
This year has become outstanding for Yaroslava in terms of sporting achievements. On July 7, Maguchikh broke the world high jump record, which had stood since 1987 – the Ukrainian cleared a height of 2.10 m at the Diamond League stage in Paris. Yaroslava later won gold at the 2024 Olympic Games.
The Maguchys’ last competition in the 2024 season was the 2024 Diamond League final in Brussels. Yaroslava won in Belgium, and another Ukrainian, Irina Gerashchenko, took bronze. Maguchikh won the Diamond League final for the third year in a row.
The Olympic champion in high jump was recognized as the best athlete in Ukraine based on the results of June, August and September. Maguchikh also entered the top 3 contenders for the title of best European track and field athlete in 2024.
Early in the morning of February 24, 2022, Russia launched rocket and air bombardments of most Ukrainian cities, and then launched a full-scale military invasion. The Russian war against Ukraine has continued for the 961st day.
Source: Sportarena
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