Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Khyzhniak achieved success at the Olympic Games in Paris on Aug. 3 by defeating Brazilian Wanderley Pereira in the 80kg weight category quarterfinals. Khyzhniak, 29 years old, won by unanimous decision with a score of 30-26, securing a spot in the semifinals and guaranteeing himself at least a bronze medal. In the semifinals, he will face two-time Olympic champion Cuban Arlen Lopez on Aug. 4. Ukraine has already won two medals at the Paris Olympics, with shooter Serhiy Kulish winning a silver medal in the 50m rifle three-position event and fencer Olga Kharlan winning bronze in the individual sabre event.
Khyzhniak, who won a silver medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, started his journey in Paris with a victory over Hungarian boxer Pylyp Akilov. He won by a split decision and is now looking to improve upon his previous Olympic success. Despite coming close to a gold medal in the 75 kg weight category at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Khyzhniak was defeated by Brazilian boxer Hebert Conceicao. Now, he is determined to make a strong impression at the Paris Games and potentially secure a gold medal for Ukraine.
In addition to Khyzhniak’s success, Ukrainian high jumpers Yaroslava Mahuchikh and Iryna Gerashchenko have also made it to the Olympics finals, scheduled to take place on Aug. 4. The two athletes will represent Ukraine in the high jump event, showcasing the talent and skill of Ukrainian athletes on the global stage. This achievement adds to Ukraine’s strong presence at the Paris Olympics and highlights the country’s dedication to sports excellence.
Support for independent journalism in Ukraine is crucial in covering the achievements of Ukrainian athletes at international events like the Olympic Games. By joining the fight to support independent journalism, individuals can contribute to the continued coverage of Ukrainian success stories in sports and other areas. The support of independent journalism helps to shed light on the accomplishments of Ukrainian athletes and provides a platform for showcasing their talent to a global audience.
As the Paris Olympics continue, Ukrainian athletes like Oleksandr Khyzhniak, Serhiy Kulish, Olga Kharlan, Yaroslava Mahuchikh, and Iryna Gerashchenko continue to inspire with their dedication, skill, and perseverance. The success of these athletes reflects the strength of Ukrainian sports and the country’s commitment to excellence on the international stage. By supporting independent journalism and following the achievements of these athletes, individuals can help elevate their stories and celebrate their accomplishments with a wider audience.
