Ukrainian athletes in Paris

As the Ukrainian Olympic team prepares for the Paris Games, they carry the weight of the ongoing war with Russia, which has disrupted their training and created a constant fear for their families and homes. Athletes, such as diving champion Oleksiy Sereda and wrestler Parviz Nasibov, have spoken about the challenges of training amidst missile alerts and power outages, with Zelenskyy referring to them as 'heroes'. The journey to Paris involved boarding specially designated trains due to the dangers of air travel in a country under siege. Many athletes admit that their focus is divided, as they worry about loved ones back home, particularly after recent missile strikes in Kyiv. Despite these hardships, they express a determination to perform well, viewing their participation as a means to honor their nation and its defenders. The athletes hope that their achievements will inspire those fighting at home and demonstrate that their sacrifices are not in vain.