Future bleak unless Ukraine invests in young sporting talent: Athletics chief
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Ukraine's Yaroslava Mahuchikh celebrates with her medal and national flag after winning bronze in the high jump final at the World Championships.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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TOKYO – Ukraine needs to “invest in youth sports now” despite the ongoing war with Russia or “there may be no one to represent” the country at future international events, the president of its athletics federation said.
Olha Saladukha, a former triple jumper who won world gold in 2011, said despite the grinding conflict, Ukraine was looking to the future.
“What matters most to us is the next generation,” she told AFP by e-mail.
“We are aware that many children have left Ukraine due to the war and it is uncertain if they will return... while others had been killed or abducted.”
Ukrainian coaches and athletes across all sports have been killed and a massive amount of infrastructure destroyed in the war.
“If we do not invest in youth sports now, we risk losing an entire generation, and in a few years, there may be no one to represent Ukraine at the world championships or the Olympic Games,” she added.
Saladukha said that Ukraine was creating projects for children’s athletics, developing clubs, and offering training and workshops for youth coaches.
“We regularly organise exciting competitions for kids,” she said.
Not only is it a way of safeguarding the future of track and field in Ukraine, it also provides “a way to help children escape the harsh realities of war, giving them a sense of happiness and warmth during these dark times”.
World Athletics president Sebastian Coe has been Ukraine’s most steadfast supporter in the sporting world.
Saladukha, who admits “it is difficult to predict how much of (the infrastructure) can be rebuilt, but we will do everything possible”, added that sending young athletes to international events was crucial.
“For these young competitors, participating in international events is also about finding meaning and hope for themselves.”
She highlighted how Ukrainian Under-20 and U-18 coach Anna Ryzhykova had taken a group of more than 100 young athletes to compete in Brno, in the Czech Republic.
Ryzhykova, a two-time European championship 400m hurdles silver medallist, told AFP she was “emotionally exhausted by the war” and needed a change as she had lost the joy of competing.
She admits her coaching role “is a huge responsibility” but she feels ready to bring through the next generation of Ukrainian talent.
“The most important thing is to give talented children a chance in life through sport,” she said.
“When you have lost almost everything, sport can be the pathway to achieve your dreams through your own effort.
“Beyond the medals, this is about building hope and resilience for the next generation.
“By investing in young athletes now, we’re not only nurturing future champions but also keeping alive the spirit of Ukraine, building a strong society.” AFP
