Zhan Beleniuk, a 33-year-old Ukrainian Greco-Roman wrestler and member of parliament, is set to compete for a bronze medal in the 87-kilogram category at the Paris Olympics, carrying the weight of his nation’s hopes amid ongoing conflict. Beleniuk, who won gold in Tokyo 2021 and silver in Rio 2016, sees his Olympic participation as a crucial opportunity to demonstrate Ukraine’s resilience.
“Our athletes should show that Ukraine is still alive,” Beleniuk stated, emphasizing the importance of his performance in the global arena. “We still protect our land, we still do our job.” His journey to Paris has been fraught with challenges unique to Ukrainian athletes, training under the constant threat of Russian missiles and grappling with concerns for the safety of family and friends.
Despite these obstacles, Beleniuk has shown remarkable strength, defeating China’s Qian Haitao and Kazakhstan’s Nursultan Tursynov before falling to Iran’s Alireza Mohmadipiani in the semifinals. His performance underscores the determination of Ukrainian athletes to excel on the world stage despite the difficulties posed by the ongoing conflict with Russia.
As the first Black member of Ukraine’s parliament, Beleniuk’s role extends beyond athletics. He leverages his position to combat Russian propaganda and garner international support for Ukraine, particularly focusing on youth, sports, and diplomatic relations with other nations, including those in Africa.
The wrestler’s personal history adds another layer of significance to his Olympic journey. Born to a Ukrainian mother and a Rwandan father who perished in the Rwandan genocide, Beleniuk’s success story resonates with themes of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Beleniuk’s Olympic participation also highlights the complex interplay between sports and politics. He noted the refusal of Russian wrestlers to compete as neutral athletes, viewing it as an example of how sports and politics remain intertwined despite claims to the contrary.
As Beleniuk prepares for his bronze medal match, his focus remains split between athletic achievement and his nation’s ongoing struggle. “We don’t have any other choice, because if we stop, they kill all of us,” he said, starkly illustrating the high stakes that extend far beyond the wrestling mat.
apnews.com
