Czech Skaters' Stance on Ukraine
As they prepare for their Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Games, Czech ice dancers Katerina Mrazkova and Daniel Mrazek have publicly expressed solidarity with Ukraine. The duo, who are two-time Czech national champions and won gold at the 2023 World Junior Championships in Calgary, will compete in the ice dance events scheduled for February 9 (rhythm dance) and February 11 (free dance). Their support comes at a time when many international athletes are navigating the complex intersection of sports and global politics.
Daniel Mrazek explained that his family actively supports Ukraine by voting for pro-Ukrainian parties in elections. He drew a historical parallel, stating:
"We remember the time when we were under Russia, and we know those times were not very good."Katerina Mrazkova, in turn, emphasized the value of every fan, particularly Ukrainians, reinforcing their connection to Ukrainian supporters. The Czech Republic, a former Eastern Bloc state, has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since the 2022 Russian invasion.
Ukraine's Official Olympic Delegation for 2026
Separately, the official delegation for Ukraine's national team to the XXV Winter Olympic Games in 2026 has been confirmed. The delegation will consist of 103 members, including:
- 46 athletes
- 42 coaches, doctors, masseurs, and other technical staff
- 15 members of the national team's headquarters staff
The sports represented will be biathlon, alpine skiing, Nordic combined, cross-country skiing, luge, skeleton, snowboarding, ski jumping, freestyle skiing, figure skating, and short track speed skating.
The Czech skaters' vocal backing highlights the theme of international solidarity in contemporary sports. Ukraine's determined participation in the Games, despite ongoing challenges, underscores the resilience of its athletes who continue to represent their nation on the world stage. These developments may help raise global awareness of Ukraine's situation and foster continued international support.