In the world of gymnastics, a beacon of hope, resilience, and strength shines forth from the war-torn capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, in the form of Viktoriia Onopriienko. This 20-year-old gymnast, who competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, now sets her sights on the Paris Olympics podium amidst the chaos of war.

Last year, Viktoriia endured months of rigorous training in Kyiv, facing extreme challenges as constant alerts forced gymnasts to seek shelter in their gym’s basement. Meanwhile, several of her family members were even serving on the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine war. Now, as she sets off on her Olympic journey, Viktoriia has bravely shared a heartbreaking incident involving her father during this difficult time.

Viktoriia Onopriienko’s heartbreaking truth about her father at war

In the heartfelt original documentary by the Olympic Channel, “Viktoriia: Ukraine’s Gymnastics Hope,” 20-year-old Viktoriia Onopriienko courageously shares her inspiring journey amid the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. In a touching moment captured in the documentary, both Viktoriia and her mother, Liliya Onopriienko, bid farewell to her father, Maksym, as he prepared to serve his nation as a frontline soldier in Ukraine’s east.

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Shortly after, Viktoriia participated in the 2023 Rhythmic Gymnastics European Championships, where she won gold in the hoop final. In a heartfelt statement, she expressed her longing for peace and for the war to end so she could be reunited with her dad. She said, “I used to call him after competitions, and now there’s no chance of hearing from him or even getting a text from him.”

Tragically, the gymnast has lost two family members on the front lines of the fight against Russia. As the documentary progressed, Viktoriia and her mother were captured staring at old photographs, a heartbreaking reminder of the toll the war has taken on their family. Her mother even held up an old photograph with a group of friends and said about the men in the photo, “All three of them are at war, one of them is already gone.” As we reflect on this heartbreaking tale, let us see how Viktoriia paved her way to the Paris Olympics and explore the motivation behind her Olympic dreams.

How the gymnastics star earned her place at the Paris Olympics

After winning gold at the 2023 European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships, Viktoriia Onopriienko shared, “At that moment, I thought it was for my country. All the pain we had endured, the tough exercises… I understood immediately that it was all for the final outcome, to achieve that great result.” She continued her remarkable journey by winning a bronze medal in the club final at the 2023 World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Valencia, Spain, with a score of 33.50 points.

This World Championship served as a qualification event for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where Viktoriia secured her ticket to compete. This joyous moment also came on an important day for the 20-year-old: Ukrainian Independence Day. After earning her ticket to Paris, she said, “I dedicate my victory to all Ukrainians, to all who defend us, including my father.” As we reflect on her journey, fans around the world hope that Viktoriia raises the Ukrainian flag high at the Paris Olympics, making her mother, father, and nation proud.