Ella Junnila's behavior behind the scenes stayed in the mind of the Ukrainian star: "I have had such a feeling"
Ukrainian high jumper Yuliya Levtshenko reflects on the ongoing war and the support her country receives while celebrating her silver medal at the Torun World Championships.
At the recent World Athletics Championships in Torun, Ukrainian high jumper Jaroslava Mahutshih won gold, while Yuliya Levtshenko shared silver with two other athletes. The event was a prominent celebration for Ukraine, with many supporters from the country present, having relocated there due to the ongoing conflict sparked by Russia's invasion. Levtshenko, amidst the jubilation of her silver medal, expressed that the war remains a central focus in her life and the lives of her compatriots.
Levtshenko highlighted the stark reality of living with war, stating that it feels as though the international community is becoming desensitized to the ongoing conflict, echoing a sentiment that has been voiced increasingly, questioning whether the war has ended. She emphasized the importance of drawing attention to the plight of Ukraine through the medium of sports, where every medal won is a reminder of their struggles and a call for global awareness.
Despite the hardships, Levtshenko acknowledged the support received from the athletics community over the years, which has been crucial in keeping the spirits of Ukrainian athletes high. She articulated that every achievement on the world stage serves not only as a personal victory but also as a beacon of hope for her country, reminding the world of their continuous fight and resilience against adversity.