Ukrainian Athletes Honored with Grand Vermeil Medal at Paris 2024 Olympics
In a heartfelt gesture of solidarity and support, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo awarded Ukrainian athletes the Grand Vermeil Medal, the city’s highest accolade, during the 2024 Olympic Games. This award ceremony, held on August 1st at Paris City Hall, served as a poignant reminder of the resilience and courage of Ukrainian athletes amid ongoing conflict in their homeland.
A Symbol of Solidarity
The Grand Vermeil Medal was presented to Ukrainian rower Anastasiia Kozhenkova and diver Oleksii Sereda, who accepted the honor on behalf of all Ukrainian athletes. The ceremony was attended by a group of their compatriots and marked a significant moment of recognition for the Ukrainian team at the Olympics.
Mayor Hidalgo expressed deep empathy and admiration for the Ukrainian athletes, saying, “I can sense both your sadness and your pride today. Sadness for the ongoing attacks and war in your country, and pride for the courage of your friends and family on the front lines.”
Honoring Ukraine’s Olympic Spirit
The ceremony began with a minute of silence to honor those lost in Russia’s war. Ukrainian Olympians stood in solemn reflection, with a screen above the stage displaying images of coaches and athletes who had been killed over the past two years, aptly titled “Heaven’s Team.”
Though some athletes who won Olympic medals, including a bronze in women’s individual saber fencing and a silver in men’s 50-meter rifle, were not present at the event, their achievements were celebrated in spirit. Acting Ukrainian Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi expressed gratitude to Mayor Hidalgo for France’s support of Ukrainian athletes, highlighting the recent establishment of the first-ever Ukrainian house in Paris, made possible through French cooperation.
Reflections and Resilience
Many of the Ukrainian athletes at the event had completed their Olympic competitions, with some expressing their aspirations and reflections. Kateryna Dudchenko, a Ukrainian rower whose women’s team placed fifth in quadruple sculls, shared her thoughts on representing her country. “Unfortunately, something went wrong, and we didn’t have enough strength at the finish because our competitors were stronger and overtook us,” she said. “But I think that right now, for the country, the fact that we are here, that the team is participating, and that we are representing our country is already a victory.”
A Hero’s Welcome in Paris
During her previous visit to Ukraine, Mayor Hidalgo promised that the athletes would be welcomed as heroes in Paris. Reflecting on the opening ceremony, she remarked, “And it’s very, very nice and very emotional for me to see that in France and the Parisian people, during the opening ceremony, celebrating the Ukrainian athletes as heroes.”
The award ceremony underscored the power of sport to unite and uplift, even in the face of adversity. The recognition of Ukrainian athletes with the Grand Vermeil Medal not only celebrated their achievements but also highlighted their unwavering spirit and determination to represent their country on the world stage.
The honoring of Ukrainian athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. As the world watches these athletes compete, they serve as a powerful reminder of the courage and hope that can emerge even in the most challenging times. Just Now News.Press
About the Author
Discover more from JUSTNOWNEWS®
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
