Ukrainian Kayaker’s "I Am Ukrainian" Inscription Banned as Propaganda at Olympics

A controversy has arisen at the 2024 Paris Olympics involving Ukrainian kayaker Anastasiia Rybachok. The International Canoe Federation has ordered Rybachok to remove the inscription “I am Ukrainian” from her canoe, citing it as a form of propaganda.

The design of the canoe, created by Rybachok, held significant symbolic value for her, representing her national identity and resilience. However, the International Canoe Federation prohibited any inscriptions on boats that could be perceived as propaganda, particularly those related to war or political issues.

Rybachok stated that “I am Ukrainian” was not intended as political propaganda but rather a declaration of her Ukrainian identity and a symbol of her personal belief. She emphasized that this inscription was important to both her and her team.

Rybachok, a silver medalist in the canoe double 500 meters event at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, has advanced to the semifinals in the canoe double events at the Paris 2024 Olympics and will also compete in the single events.

The 2024 Summer Olympics will run until August 11. Ukraine is represented by 140 athletes across 23 sports, currently ranking 19th in the medal tally with seven medals.