Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Joy Mixes with Sorrow for Ukrainian Athletes at Paris Olympics

POSTED ON July 26, 2024 •   Sports      BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara
Ukrainian canoeist Anastasiia Rybachok attends a training session ahead of traveling to Paris 2024 Olympic Games, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, at the Olympic training camp in Kyiv, Ukraine July 24, 2024. l Credit: Reuters

Ukrainian athletes in Paris, France, for the Olympics are experiencing a mix of emotions, balancing joy with sorrow. 

While they are striving to fulfill their dream of competing at one of the world’s most prestigious sports events, they also carry the weight of the ongoing war in their home country.

Polina Buhrova, a 20-year-old badminton player participating in her first Games, expressed the emotional impact of reading news from Ukraine, stating that it brings about great sadness. However, she also sees their presence at the Olympics as a way to demonstrate their strength and resilience.

At the Olympics village, living quarters for athletes from various nations are decorated with flags and motivational slogans. 

The Ukrainian house is adorned with children's drawings featuring messages of resilience and support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

This tradition of supporting soldiers has extended to cheering for the Ukrainian athletes.

Fencer Olga Kharlan, who has a unique journey to the Paris Games, expressed her determination to succeed for her country. 

Despite the challenges of training abroad due to the war and being separated from her family, she emphasised that their performance would go beyond the sports arena, serving as a tribute to those who had lost their lives in the conflict.

This year, Ukraine will have the smallest number of athletes in its history of participating in the Summer Games, with 140 competitors in 26 sports.

READ ALSO
Xabi Alonso Steps Down as Bayer Leverkusen Manager, Set for Real Madrid Return
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 9, 2025 0

The Spanish football manager, Xabi Alonso, has stepped down as the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, a...

READ ALSO
PSG Advances to Face Inter Milan in Final, trash Arsenal 3-1 in Semi Final
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 7, 2025 0

English football club, Arsenal, bid to reach the Champions League final ended in failure after they...

READ ALSO
NSC Calls for Unified Efforts to Transform Nigeria's Sports Sector
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 7, 2025 0

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has urged sports officials...

READ ALSO
England football player rejects Liverpool contract for Real Madrid
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 5, 2025 0

England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he will leave Premier League champions Liver...

READ ALSO
We Are All Nigerians, Chess Master Rejects Claims of Ethnic Favoritism
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 4, 2025 0

Chess master Tunde Onakoya has rejected the assertion that his philanthropic efforts are skewed in f...

READ ALSO
Barcelona Battles Back for 2-1 Victory Over Relegated Valladolid
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 3, 2025 0

Barcelona overcame an early setback to secure a 2-1 victory against already-relegated Real Valladoli...

READ ALSO
Barcelona, Inter Milan Play to a Dramatic 3-3 Draw in UCL Semi-Finals
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 30, 2025 0

Barcelona and Inter Milan played out an intense 3-3 draw in their Champions League Semi-Finals clash...

READ ALSO
Barcelona Claims Copa del Rey Victory, Sets Sights on Champions League Semifinal Against Inter Milan
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara April 30, 2025 0

Barcelona triumphed over their fierce rivals Real Madrid to secure the Copa del Rey over the weekend...

OUR CHANNELS:

UNHCR Raises Alarm over Germany's Stricter Border Controls
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2025 0

The UNHCR has voiced its concerns regarding Germany's recent move to enhance border controls and den...


CBN Launched BVN Platform for Nigerians Living Abroad
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2025 0

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in partnership with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIB...


CDS Urges Vigilance and Unity among Troops in Fight Against Insurgency
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2025 0

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, praised the troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA...


Tinubu Calls for Unified Tax System to Enhance Revenue Generation and Equity
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to undertaking bold and compreh...


LASG to Introduce Flexible Rent Payment Plans for Low-Income Residents
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria - The Lagos State government is in the process of finalizing a system that will allow...


PDP Leaders Reassure Members Amid Defections Ahead of 2027 Elections
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - Acting National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador U...


World Bank: Tinubu’s Reforms Bringing Stability to Nigeria’s Economy
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - The World Bank expressed approval of the federal government on Monday, noting that...


APC's Internal Strife: Aregbesola's Exit Leaves Alimosho in Political Limbo
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2025 0

When the All Progressives Congress (APC) was established on February 6, 2013, with Lagos State as it...


One Dead, Multiple Injured in Collision Between Truck and Sedan
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria (NAN) - A tragic auto accident along the Trade Fair–Agbara route at Iyana Era B...


LASG identifies gunmen behind rising traffic robberies
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara May 14, 2025 0

LAGOS, Nigeria - The Lagos State Government has attributed the rise in traffic robberies and other c...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu