The torch for the Paris Olympics made its way through the French city of Marseille, with Ukrainian gymnast Mariia Vysochanska leading a group of European athletes in a symbolic moment for her war-torn country. The relay marked the beginning of an 11-week journey across France leading up to the opening ceremony on July 26. Vysochanska, who has won two gold medals at the European Championships and competed in the Tokyo Olympics, expressed her pride and happiness at carrying the Olympic flame.
A collective of 27 athletes and para-athletes from each EU country joined the relay in Marseille to celebrate Europe Day on May 9. They formed a guard of honor to welcome Vysochanska as she carried the torch, highlighting Ukraine’s role as the 28th country to carry the flame alongside EU countries. Ukraine’s deputy sports minister, Viktoriia Riasna, expressed her delight at the country’s participation in the relay, emphasizing the significance of Ukraine as a part of Europe.
French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra greeted the European collective as they handed off the torch to the next bearer. The French government, a vocal supporter of Ukraine, invited Vysochanska to join the event as a show of solidarity towards Ukraine. The ongoing war in Ukraine has complicated the preparations for Ukrainian athletes ahead of the Olympics, making events like the torch relay all the more significant.
Vysochanska’s personal connection to the conflict in Ukraine adds an emotional element to her participation in the torch relay. Her father has been fighting since 2015, and her involvement in the relay reflects Ukraine’s efforts to join the European Union. The International Olympic Committee’s decision to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes from the opening ceremony due to the war in Ukraine underscores the political implications of the conflict on international sporting events.
Overall, the torch relay in Marseille served as a powerful statement of unity and support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict. The participation of Vysochanska and other European athletes in the relay symbolized solidarity and cooperation across borders, showcasing the spirit of the Olympic Games. As Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges brought on by the war, events like the torch relay provide a platform for athletes to come together and highlight the importance of peace and unity in the world of sports.
