Olympic athletes from Ukraine say they're not just trying to win medals in Paris but to send a message of resilience home, as Russia's war with Ukraine continues.

Paris

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

The 2024 Summer Olympics are underway in Paris, with competition lasting until mid-August.

Paris Olympics

Ukrainian athletes at the Olympics are focused on more than just winning medals. High jumper Yaroslava Makuchek clinched gold, and another Ukrainian athlete secured bronze, symbolising their country's resilience amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Despite sending its smallest team, Ukraine's presence is aimed at showcasing their fighting spirit.

Hurdler Anna Ryzikova has been training abroad due to constant air raids in eastern Ukraine. She emphasized the importance of participating to demonstrate that Ukrainians are still standing strong. Ukraine's Olympic House features chairs from a destroyed stadium and notes of solidarity, paying tribute to over 450 Ukrainian athletes killed in the war.

Athletes from Russia and Belarus are competing as independent neutral athletes, banned from World Athletics events. The head of the Federation cited integrity and fairness as reasons for this decision. Victoria Tkachuk, another Ukrainian hurdler, expressed relief, mentioning her brother fighting on the front lines and asserting that Ukraine's presence, regardless of medals, signifies their enduring resilience.



Ukrainian athletes competing for more than Olympic medals

The world record holder. An indescribable moment for Ukraine. High jumper Yaroslava Makuchek winning gold. Her fellow Ukrainian capturing bronze. Bolstering their country fighting off a Russian invasion. The Ukrainian team sent to these Olympics is its smallest ever. But being here is more about sending a message of resilience than winning a medal. For hurdler Anna Ryzikova it's a hard go. Thinking of her family suffering back home. In eastern Ukraine which has been battered by Russian attacks. The constant air raids have forced her to mostly train abroad. I'm trying to separate of all the thoughts and do my best on the field. It's super important to be here, to participate and to show that Ukrainians still fighting. We are alive, we want to be free. That message is clear at Ukraine's Olympic House. Where chairs from a destroyed stadium are on full display. To honor the more than 450 Ukrainian athletes killed in the war. On this wall notes of solidarity for Ukraine in their fight against Russian forces. Competitors from Russia and Belarus are at these games as independent neutral athletes. But you won't see them here. World Athletics has banned them from their events. It's a decision that had to be made says the head of the Federation. Who saw the damage in Ukraine with his own eyes. And we looked at this as being a matter of integrity. Was it fair that those athletes that were going to be so disadvantaged should also have athletes from a country that you know demonstrated such aggression. A stance that's brought comfort and relief to Victoria Tkachuk competing in hurdles. Her older brother Ivan is fighting on the front lines. If Russians will allow to compete here I don't know what can I tell to my brother. Like they want to kill him and I will compete with them. She and her fellow athletes here in Paris want the world to know. Medals or not Ukraine is still standing strong. Salima Shivji, CBC News, Paris.

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