Ukrainian middleweight boxer Oleksandr Khyzhniak defeated Kazakhstan's Nurbek Oralbay in a thrilling final, earning his nation's third gold medal at the Paris Olympics. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to social media to express his gratitude and support for the athlete.
Ukrainian middleweight boxer Oleksandr Khyzhniak has added another gold medal to his nation's tally at the Paris Olympics, a victory that has been met with heartfelt appreciation from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
In a thrilling final at Roland Garros, Khyzhniak overcame a closely contested battle against Kazakhstan's Nurbek Oralbay, emerging victorious with a 3-2 score. The triumph marks Ukraine's third gold medal in Paris, following the achievements of women's high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh and women's fencer Olga Kharlan.
Ukrainian Boxer Oleksandr Khyzhniak Wins Gold, Receives Praise from President Zelenskyy
President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude on social media after the match, stating, "Another gold medal for Ukraine at the Olympics in Paris! Boxer Oleksandr Khyzhniak has taken the first place."
"Thank you for your strength, your confidence, and for this important victory! We continue to support all our athletes. We cheer for Ukraine, we cheer for Ukrainians!" Zelenskyy wrote in a post on X.
Ukrainian Boxer Oleksandr Khyzhniak Wins Gold, Receives Praise from President Zelenskyy
Khyzhniak's victory is not only a personal triumph but also a symbol of national pride for Ukraine. The boxer was on track to win the middleweight gold at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 before being defeated by Brazil's Herbert Sousa in a stunning upset.
However, the athlete's disappointment was compounded by a far greater tragedy that unfolded in his homeland. Just days after the conclusion of the Tokyo Games, Russia invaded Ukraine, forcing Khyzhniak to witness the horrors of war and the loss of comrades.
Ukrainian Boxer Oleksandr Khyzhniak Wins Gold, Receives Praise from President Zelenskyy
Despite these challenges, Khyzhniak's determination remained unwavering. He channeled his pain and adversity into relentless training, vowing to honor his fallen teammates and represent his war-torn nation with unwavering resolve.
Ukraine's participation in the Paris Olympics is tinged with both pride and sorrow. Only 140 Ukrainian athletes are competing, the smallest group in the country's history at the Summer Games, a somber reflection of the human toll inflicted by the ongoing war.
As the athletes take to the field and courts, they carry the weight of their nation's struggles and aspirations. Their victories are not only personal achievements but also symbols of hope and resilience for a country that has endured unspeakable suffering.
The International Olympic Committee has condemned Russia's invasion as a violation of the Olympic truce, a resolution that calls for nations to lay down arms and not engage in conflict during the Olympic period. As a result, Russian athletes are not allowed to represent their nation in Paris but can compete as "individual neutral athletes."
Khyzhniak's gold medal shines brightly in the face of adversity, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people. His victory serves as a beacon of hope, reminding the world of the horrors of war and the resilience of those who fight for their freedom.
