In a gym located in the heart of Kyiv, Ukrainian boxer Anna Lysenko trains tirelessly for the upcoming Paris Olympics, despite the backdrop of explosions echoing outside. The war in Ukraine, which began 17 months ago when Russia invaded the country, has disrupted Lysenko’s training routine.
Despite the challenges she faces, Lysenko refuses to give up on her dream. She has already dedicated nearly a decade of her life to the sport, coming close to winning a medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021. However, she hopes to achieve even greater success in Paris.
Unfortunately, the Ukrainian athletes’ participation in the Paris Games is uncertain due to recent events. Ukrainian athletes have been excluded from world or European championship events in judo, fencing, and taekwondo, while Russians and Belarusians were allowed to compete as neutral athletes. This decision has drawn criticism, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stating that any neutral flag is stained with blood.
Lysenko, as a Ukrainian athlete, finds it unpleasant that athletes from Russia, the country that invaded her homeland, will have the opportunity to participate in the Olympics. She believes that despite competing under a neutral flag, these athletes still represent their own countries.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) initially took a tough stance on Russia, urging sports bodies to exclude Russian athletes and officials from international events and strip the country of hosting rights. However, as the Paris Olympics approached, the IOC changed its position and allowed some Russians to compete. This decision has left Lysenko feeling like Ukrainian athletes are engaged in an unequal battle with citizens of a country that started a war on their home soil.
Lysenko’s training has been impacted by the ongoing conflict. Even during the most difficult periods, she continued training, even without electricity when Russian attacks destroyed the energy infrastructure. Her dedication is unwavering, and she believes that Ukrainian athletes must go out and win on their own sports frontline.
However, the decision made by the Ukrainian Olympic Committee to boycott qualifying competitions involving Russians and Belarusians has evoked conflicting emotions for Lysenko. She questions why Ukrainian tennis players continue to compete against athletes from these countries while others are being boycotted.
For Lysenko, the Paris Olympics are an opportunity to bring a medal to her country and represent Ukraine to the whole Olympic world. With the games potentially being her last chance to compete at the Olympics, she is determined to make the most of it. However, she acknowledges that there is more to life than just sports, and she has her own plans for the future.
Lysenko’s training continues despite the nightly attacks on Kyiv by the Russians. She understands that her challenges pale in comparison to what Ukrainian soldiers endure and is grateful for their sacrifices.
As the Paris Olympics approach, the uncertainty surrounding the participation of Ukrainian athletes remains a concern. The ongoing conflict and geopolitical tensions have added additional obstacles for Lysenko and her fellow athletes. However, they remain resilient and determined to compete, representing their country to the best of their abilities.
In conclusion, Anna Lysenko, a Ukrainian boxer, faces numerous challenges as she prepares for the Paris Olympics amidst the ongoing war in her country. Despite the disruptions and uncertainties, Lysenko remains dedicated to her training and hopes to bring honor to her country in the international sporting event. The conflict and subsequent decisions surrounding the participation of Ukrainian athletes have added to the hardships faced by Lysenko and her compatriots. Nonetheless, their determination remains unyielding as they continue to prepare for the games.
