Ukrainian Female Gymnast Carries Olympic Torch Supported by a Team of European Athletes

On Thursday, May 9, Maria Visuchanska, a Ukrainian gymnast, led a group of European athletes who began carrying the Olympic torch from the Mediterranean city of Marseille, France. This marks the start of an 11-week journey across France leading up to the Olympic opening ceremony on July 27, 2024. The atmosphere in the city was electrifying due to the large crowd of spectators cheering for the torchbearers, including basketball player Tony Parker and former footballer Basile Boli. A significant moment for Ukraine arrived at noon when a group of 27 champions from each of the European Union countries took the torch in honor of Europe Day (May 9) and joined the torchbearers. They formed a 'Hall of Honor' to welcome Visuchanska, who participated in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics and won two gold medals at the 2020 European Championships. The 21-year-old athlete stated, 'It is very hard to put into words all the emotions I am experiencing. I feel an incredible pride and joy that Ukraine became the 28th country to carry the Olympic torch alongside other EU countries, and the team captain honored me with the privilege of carrying the torch.' After the European group handed the torch to the next group, they were welcomed by Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, the French Minister of Sports. The war has complicated Ukrainian athletes' efforts to participate in the Olympics, but Oudéa-Castéra stated, 'We are making great efforts to ensure that Ukrainian athletes can prepare in the best conditions despite this horrific invasion, and we want to show that we support them to the fullest extent.' Visuchanska's presence at this event also has a personal aspect; her father has been fighting for Ukraine since 2014, following the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia and the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine, and he was injured in the 242-day battle to defend Donetsk airport. Visuchanska's participation also symbolizes Ukraine's efforts to join the European Union, which was expedited last year. The International Olympic Committee announced in April that athletes from Russia and Belarus would not be allowed to participate in the Paris Olympic opening ceremony due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and athletes from these two countries wishing to compete under a neutral flag must undergo a two-step process. Fourteen Iranians are part of the refugee team at the Paris Olympics, competing in eight sports. France is making security arrangements to host the 2024 Paris Olympics. Media warnings have been issued to officials regarding the significant presence of Iranian athletes in the Olympic refugee team. The Olympic torch for the Paris Summer Games was lit in Greece.