As Olympic Games Begin, Get to Know Ukraine's Famous Athletes From Over the Years

Ukraine is a country that puts a high emphasis on sport and has traditionally shown good results at the Olympics. Since gaining independence in 1991, Ukraine has participated in the Summer and Winter Olympics, consistently performing well. For example, at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Ukraine finished 9th in the overall medal standings, winning 9 gold, 2 silver, and 12 bronze medals. 

More recently, at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Ukraine secured 19th place with 1 gold, 6 silver, and 12 bronze medals. In total, Ukraine has won 147 Olympic medals throughout its history, including 38 golds. In this list, we will cover some of the most famous athletes from Ukraine.

Oksana Baiul, Figure Skating

Oksana Baiul, Ukraine's figure skating legend, and the first person to win a gold medal for independent Ukraine. She captured the world's attention with her stunning performances and remarkable talent. Born in Dnipro, Baiul rose to prominence in the early 1990s, showcasing her unique blend of artistry and athleticism on the ice.

Her biggest achievement came at the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics, where she won the gold medal, becoming one of the most beloved Ukrainian female athletes. Baiul was featured in the 2017 film I, Tonya, winning Olympic gold against American Nancy Keegan.

Lilia Podkopayeva, Gymnastics

Lilia Podkopayeva, a star of the 90s, Ukraine's gymnastics icon, and one of the most legendary Ukrainian Olympic athletes. Born in Donetsk, she quickly rose to prominence in the gymnastics world. Her crowning moment came at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where she won gold in both the all-around and floor exercise, along with a silver on the beam.

Podkopayeva's elegance and technical precision set her apart, earning her numerous accolades and a lasting legacy in the sport. Beyond her Olympic success, she has won multiple world and European championships, solidifying her status as one of gymnastics' greats.

After retiring, Podkopayeva remained active in the gymnastics community, working as a coach and mentor to young athletes. She is also involved in various charitable activities, using her fame to support social causes and cultivate a winning culture in Ukrainian gymnastics.

Yaroslava Mahuchikh, Pole Vaulting

One of the top female athletes in the world is a Ukrainian track and field athlete from Dnipro, Yaroslava Mahuchikh. In 2024, she broke the women's world record for high jump at 2.10 meters, the previous record was held unbroken for 37 years. She currently holds a bronze medal from the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo and is considered a heavy favorite to win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

In her young career, Mahuchikh has won 9 gold medals and 4 silver at major competitions across the world. She was nominated for the Women’s World Athlete of 2023 and Women’s European Athlete of the Year. During Russia’s 2022 invasion, she was a proponent for the exclusion of Russian athletes from competing internationally.

Olga Kharlan, Fencing

Olha Kharlan is considered one of the best individual sabre fencers in the world, she has been the number one ranked woman in the world for five years (2012-14, 2017-18, 2019-21). Kharlan has represented Ukraine in the Olympics 4 times, winning gold in 2008, silver in 2016, and Bronze in 2012/2016. 

Kharlan has a remarkable record of representing her country, not only as an athlete but as a leader by example. In 2023, she gained international attention for her actions at the World Fencing Championship in Milan. Kharlan faced Russian fencer Anna Smirnova and after defeating her 15-7, Kharlan refused to shake Smirnova’s hand – instead brandishing her sword at an advancing Smirnova.

Kharlan was given a “black card” for her protest, resulting in her disqualification from the competition and Olympic qualification for Paris 2024. Some have considered Smirnova’s advancement a provocation and “trap” set to disqualify Kharlan. The IOC sent a letter to Kharlan the next day notifying her that she was being guaranteed a spot at the Paris Olympics, the FIE retracted their disqualification the same day. Kharlan was inducted into FIE Hall of Fame.

Zhan Beleniuk, Greco-Roman Wrestling

Zhan Beleniuk is celebrated as one of Ukraine's most accomplished Greco-Roman wrestlers. Born in Kyiv, Beleniuk has represented Ukraine on the world stage, showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. He has won multiple world championships and European titles, solidifying his status as a dominant force in wrestling.

Beleniuk's biggest sporting achievement came at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he won a gold medal in the 87 kg weight category, becoming the first black athlete to win an Olympic gold medal for Ukraine  In 2019, he was elected to the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) as a the first Afro-Ukrainian member of Parliament. Beleniuk joined the Territorial Defense Force in 2022 to defend Kyiv.

Elina Svitolina, Tennis

Elina Svitolina is Ukraine's most successful tennis player, effectively. She holds numerous national records and trophies, both among women and tennis players overall. In WTA tournaments she holds 19 victories(17 in singles and two in doubles), achieving the world No. 3 ranking in 2017, and earning a bronze medal at the 2022 Olympic Games.

After taking a break due to pregnancy, Elina came back strong, reaching the quarterfinals of the French Open and the semifinals of Wimbledon. Off the court, she is a passionate advocate for Ukraine, raising awareness about Russia's invasion and organizing fundraisers to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Oleksandr Usyk, Boxing

In Ukraine, boxing is a sacred sport. Many champions are born here, like Oleksandr Usyk who is widely considered to be one of the greatest boxers in the history of the sport. He is the current undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and former undisputed cruiserweight champion, holding titles in all four of the major boxing organizations (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO). 

As an amateur boxer, the Crimean-born Usyk won a gold medal for Ukraine at the 2012 Olympics in London. As a professional boxer, on the path of his monumental career, he defeated British heavyweight champions Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. He will be defending the IBF heavyweight title he took from Tyson Fury in a rematch set for October 2024 in Saudi Arabia.

The Klitschko Brothers, Boxing

Dr. Vitali Klitschko, also known as Dr. Ironfist, has worn many hats throughout his remarkable career. Standing at 2.01m (6’7”) with a reach of 203cm (80”), Vitali dominated the heavyweight boxing world. His first 24 fights ended in early knockouts or TKOs, and in 2012, he was awarded the WBC Fighter of the Year. Before retiring in 2013 with a record of 45-2, Vitali, along with his brother Wladimir, defined the heavyweight boxing era of the late 2000s to early 2010s.

Beyond boxing, Vitali holds a Doctorate from Kyiv University and has made significant strides in politics. He is serving his second term as the Mayor of Kyiv and is the head of the Kyiv City Administration.

Dr. Wladimir Klitschko, Vitali's younger brother, also boasts an impressive career. He is a two-time world heavyweight champion, having unified the WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO titles, and he won a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Wladimir holds the record for the longest cumulative heavyweight title reign, lasting 4,382 days (over 11 years).

Wladimir was frequently ranked by Forbes as one of the top 100 highest-paid athletes. He gained Hollywood attention through his marriage to actress Hayden Panettiere. During the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Wladimir joined the Territorial Defense Force alongside his brother, Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

The Klitschko brothers are considered to be some of the most outstanding Ukrainian athletes that the boxing world has ever seen.

Andriy Shevchenko, Football

In Ukraine the most popular sport is football, and representing Ukraine is Andriy Shevchenko who is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of his generation, and one of the most known Ukrainian athletes. Born in Dvirkivshchyna, Shevchenko achieved global fame as a prolific striker, known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability and versatility on the field. He played for top European clubs such as Dynamo Kyiv, AC Milan, and Chelsea, earning numerous trophies, including the Ballon d'Or in 2004.

Shevchenko's international career with the Ukrainian national team spanned from 1995 to 2012, during which he earned 111 caps and scored 48 goals. His leadership was instrumental in Ukraine's historic qualification for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the quarterfinals. 

After retiring from professional football, Shevchenko transitioned into coaching and politics. He served as the head coach of the Ukrainian national team, leading them to the quarterfinals of UEFA Euro 2020. In addition to his contributions to sports, Shevchenko has been active in Ukrainian politics and social causes, advocating for the development of sports infrastructure and youth programs in Ukraine. The United24 ambassador is celebrated as a national hero 

Mykhailo Mudryk, Football

Mykhailo Mudryk, the 23-year-old football prodigy from Ukraine, made international headlines for his $76 million transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk to London’s Chelsea FC. The hefty price tag makes it the most expensive transfer fee for a Ukrainian player in football history. In international competition, he dons the number 10 jersey for Ukraine. 

London has a lot to look forward to in one of the most popular Ukrainian athletes. Mudryk’s world-class speed and untapped potential make him something to look out for in the future.

Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, Basketball

In Ukraine, basketball is less developed than football for example, but the country has a talented cast representing the sport, which has shown achievements in the USA – with a total of 9 players from Ukraine entering the top league in the world.

Sviatoslav "Svi'' Mykhailiuk, is regarded as one of Ukraine’s top basketball players, winning the 2024 NBA championship with the Boston Celtics. Born in Cherkasy, Ukraine, Mykhailiuk first gained attention for his exceptional play in his home country before moving to the United States to pursue a collegiate career.

Mykhailiuk played college basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks, where he developed a reputation as a prolific scorer and three-point shooter. His impressive performances in college led to him being selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft. Over the years, he has played for several NBA teams, including the Detroit Pistons, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Toronto Raptors.

Stanislav Medvedenko, Basketball

Stanislav Medvedenko, a former Ukrainian professional basketball player, is best known for his time with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA, where he played alongside legends like Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant and won two championships with them. Born in Karapyshi, Ukraine, Medvedenko had a great NBA career as a rotation man and backup center. 

Medvedenko played a key role in the Lakers' championship-winning teams in 2001 and 2002, providing valuable minutes off the bench. His best season came in 2003-2004 when he stepped up as a starter due to injuries on the team, averaging 8.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.

After retiring from professional basketball, Medvedenko turned his attention to philanthropy and public service. He supported young athletes in Ukraine and improved sports infrastructure around the country. Medvedenko also ran for political office. In 2022, Medvedenko decided to auction off his two NBA championship rings to support his country which was recently invaded.