Kateryna Tabashnyk, a 30-year-old high jumper from Ukraine, exemplifies the intense focus and determination required of high-level athletes. However, amidst her athletic pursuits, her thoughts often drift back to her war-torn hometown of Kharkiv, where her mother, apartment, and sense of security were lost to Russian missiles. Despite being physically distant from the conflict, the weight of the war follows her everywhere, shaping her experiences from Turkey to Portugal as she strives to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
Unlike Russian and Belarusian athletes who can train and compete without the added burden of war, Ukrainian athletes like Tabashnyk face constant reminders of the destruction and loss inflicted on their homeland. Forced to flee Kharkiv as the war escalated in 2022, Tabashnyk witnessed firsthand the devastation wrought by the conflict, including a harrowing experience where she and her family sought refuge in a basement amid relentless attacks.
Tabashnyk’s journey is marked by personal tragedy, including the critical injury of her 8-year-old nephew in a Russian attack and the heartbreaking loss of her mother in a subsequent missile strike. Despite these unimaginable losses, Tabashnyk perseveres, finding solace and strength in her athletic pursuits while also honoring her family’s memory through her determined spirit and resilience.
Training alongside other Ukrainian athletes in Monte Gordo, Tabashnyk has formed a support network where they share stories of their loved ones, homes, and experiences with the ongoing conflict. While the weight of the war takes a toll on both their bodies and minds, they remain resolute in their mission to represent Ukraine on the global stage and shed light on the injustices of the war through their athletic achievements.
Although Tabashnyk faced setbacks in her Olympic qualifying journey due to injuries, she remains steadfast in her commitment to competing and inspiring hope for her homeland. Through her unwavering dedication and perseverance, she symbolizes the spirit of resilience that defines Ukrainian athletes amid adversity. Tabashnyk’s story is a testament to turning pain into power and finding the strength to persevere in the face of unimaginable challenges, encapsulated by the tattoo that serves as a constant reminder to “live for today.”
