A press conference was held at Media Center of The World Games 2022 in Birmingham (TWG) on July 10. Athletes from the Ukrainian team shared details of their experiences so far and what life is like back home.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin expressed his support for the Ukrainian athletes present at the Games. Nick Sellers, CEO of The World Games Organizing Committee, also reinforced the message of support and admiration. “We want to use these games to promote unity, respect for everybody, and peace,” Sellers said as he described the professionalism and sportsmanship seen in the Games so far. He acknowledged the standing ovation and rounds of applause that erupted across Protective Stadium in Birmingham on 7 July when Ukrainian athletes emerged on the field during the Opening Ceremony. “Your cause is our cause; the cause of the sovereignty and freedom. We continue to support you and we are very proud of everything you’ve accomplished so far,” Sellers said, addressing the athletes.
Max Bishop, Vice President of the International World Games Association, described how the IWGA took quick action when the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. The difficult decision was made to not allow Russia and Belarus to participate in the Games. The IWGA also pledged donations toward a fund in support of Ukrainian athletes. The committee has pledged one dollar from the sale of each TWG 2022 ticket to this fund. The money will help rebuild sports infrastructure lost in the war.
Bishop acknowledged that some athletes from Ukraine were not able to compete in Alabama due to circumstances at home. Ilya Shevliak, President of the Sports Committee of Ukraine, said many of the athletes who made it to Alabama are here against extraordinary odds. It’s nice to see their hard work and dedication being recognized.
“We do appreciate the attitude toward the Ukrainian athletes. We feel it everywhere, from all national delegations, from the organizers and everyday people on the street,”
Shevliak said. He also disclosed the interruptions to the athletes’ training due to the ongoing war at home. Forty percent of the team’s athletes were abroad during the training period leading up to the Games, which made training all the more difficult.
“Thirty percent of our athletes are from hot spots; that is, territories that are occupied for the time being,” he said. That’s why these athletes are working so hard and putting their heart into the competition. Every medal they win at the Games is a victory for the Ukrainian people and a source of hope for those back home.
Shevliak then introduced Ukrainian athletes Larysa Soloviova (Powerlifting), Stanislav Horuna (Karate), Alina Duzhenko (Sumo), Anatolii Khliustin (Sumo), and Anzhelika Terliuga (Karate) to answer questions from the audience and share their experiences.
The team arrived in Birmingham roughly two weeks before TWG kickoff for a training camp. “We way people have treated us has been amazing,” Horuna said.
“I’m amazed at the expressions, emotions and what people feel regarding us when they hear we’re from Ukraine—we can literally feel the support that they feel.”
Terliuga agreed that everyone, down to the staff at a local Birmingham hotel, have shown authentic kindness to the team. Reflecting on the painful experiences of the last few months, she described the past 100 days as “like a bad movie” with no end in sight. “It has become normal to hear the alarms. I know rockets are flying. I have seen them with my eyes,” she said.
Horuna said his wife and child have a suitcase packed with important documents and are ready to leave the region at any moment. His teammates echoed the fear for their families. “This is what life is like for us right now,” he said.
On competing in the games, Terliuga described not being worried about bringing home gold medals, but rather wanting to bring something positive to her family and her country. Winning a gold medal is just one thing they can do. “But I would give everything I had just to stop it,” she said.
Duzhenko became visibly emotional as her peers discussed the situation. She expressed worry for those in Ukraine and uncertainty about the future, but said the team has experienced many nice moments at the Games so far. The team has been able to enjoy their time in Birmingham reading books, visiting the Athletes Village and simply enjoying time outdoors when they are not training or competing. These momentary distractions are welcomed.
Ukrainian athletes have won 19 medals in The World Games 2022 so far. This competition is the first large international sports event for Khliustin, who says he regrets that training wasn’t as thorough as planned due to disruptions from the war, though it doesn’t seem to have slowed anyone down. He’s excited to compete and has total confidence in his teammates.
Solovyova agreed with Khliustin.
“Thanks to all your support, we will win I’m sure. Glory to Ukraine.”
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association, organised with the support of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 7-17 July 2022. 3,600 athletes from 34 sports and over 100 countries will take part in The World Games.