Usyk Supports Ukrainian Athletes at Paris Olympics Amid Ongoing Conflict
- Heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk traveled to Paris to support Ukrainian athletes participating in the Olympics.
- His presence underscores the challenges faced by athletes from Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict at home.
- Usyk's support highlights a significant emotional boost for these athletes during a difficult time.
PARIS (AP) — Heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk has arrived in Paris to rally support for Ukrainian athletes competing in the 2024 Olympics, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. On Monday, Usyk visited the Ukrainian House in Paris, where he witnessed Ukrainian fencer Olga Kharlan secure a bronze medal in the women’s individual saber, marking Ukraine's first medal of the Games. Usyk expressed his confidence in Kharlan, stating, “I probably knew that Olga is one of those people who would bring a medal for Ukraine.” Usyk highlighted the significance of the Ukrainian team's presence at the Olympics, given the backdrop of daily missile strikes and the destruction of sports facilities in Ukraine. “We are at war. But our athletes still came,” he remarked, emphasizing their resilience and determination to compete. The champion, who has Olympic rings tattooed on his arms, underscored the importance of supporting all Ukrainian Olympians in Paris, stating, “The more awards for us, the better.” Among the athletes competing is Oleksandr Khyzhniak, a prominent boxer who aims to redeem his silver medal from the Tokyo Olympics by pursuing gold in Paris. Usyk noted Khyzhniak's commitment to achieving his goal, saying, “He has unfinished business that he has set for himself, which is the Olympic gold.” As the Olympics progress, Usyk remains hopeful for more medals to uplift his war-torn nation.