Paris: For some, the Olympics transcend sport, embodying resilience and hope. Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh exemplifies this, fighting a different battle to bring a moment of peace to those on the frontlines. Her gold in the women’s high jump was dedicated “for the people of Ukraine,” symbolizing strength and perseverance amidst turmoil.
Mahuchikh, now without a home, lives like a nomad, training and competing across countries like Portugal, Poland, Germany, Belgium, Estonia, and the USA. She was forced to flee Dnipro, Ukraine, in 2022 when Russia invaded. The sounds of shelling were constant as she escaped to her coach’s house in the countryside. Even now, those terrifying noises and the faces of friends still fighting or lost in the conflict haunt her.
During a media interaction on Sunday night, Mahuchikh struggled to articulate her feelings about friends and family fighting Russian troops. Her eyes blinked, moist with emotion, but words failed to capture the turmoil within. Despite a life marred by war, she finds the courage to excel, clearing hurdle after hurdle with remarkable ease. Though she had just won Olympic gold, her thoughts remained with her beloved Ukraine.
At 22, Mahuchikh exhibits maturity beyond her years, shaped by hardship. Her tall frame is perfect for high jumping, and her performance at Stade de France was a masterclass. She cleared heights effortlessly, beating Australia’s Nicola Olyslagers on count-back after failing to clear 2.02m. Another Ukrainian, Iryna Gerashchenko, finished joint third with Australia’s Eleanor Patterson. Mahuchikh’s victory marked Ukraine’s first individual gold at these Games. The two Ukrainians celebrated with a victory lap, their flag waving proudly, as the crowd applauded their achievement.
While Noah Lyles captured the 100m gold, a medal he pursued fervently, Mahuchikh’s story resonated deeply. Just a day earlier, the Ukrainian sabre team, led by legendary fencer Olga Kharlan, won the country’s first gold of the Games, their narrative also intertwined with war and resilience. “I have friends and family fighting in the war and they are dying but they are very strong and this medal is for them because I can be here because they are on the frontline,” Kharlan said.
For Mahuchikh, the gold medal holds immense significance, as it brings hope and solace to the people of Ukraine. She receives messages of love and support from her compatriots, turning into a symbol of hope. “Ukraine will win, of course, and I hope it will be very soon. And it is only for our people. We have very strong people. And of course we have got a lot of support from the world. Ukraine has a very brave military. Ukraine is the strongest nation in the world,” she declared, her words reinforcing her deep love for her homeland.
During competitions, Mahuchikh finds comfort in a sleeping mat, lying down during waits that can last up to half an hour. For her, the medal represents more than personal achievement; it shows that Ukrainians can fight not just on the frontlines but also in stadiums.
Another Ukrainian athlete, Mykhaylo Kokhan, won a bronze in the men’s hammer throw. He succinctly expressed the sentiment: “People back home are waiting for these medals.” Serving in the Ukrainian military, he has been permitted to compete, feeling more useful here than on the battlefield. “I trained in Turkey and Estonia in peace,” he said, as training outside Ukraine was essential for his preparation.
As Ukraine’s athletes celebrate in Paris, where they have won seven medals so far, including two golds, they temper their joy with the reality of ongoing conflict back home. The knowledge that these medals bring a momentary respite to millions in Ukraine elevates them beyond mere sporting achievements. They become symbols of hope and resilience, reminding their country of its indomitable spirit.
