Nikita Kuzmenko Secures Third Place at the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics
Ukrainian beach wrestler Nikita Kuzmenko claimed the bronze medal in the 70 kg weight class at the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games held in Dakar. In the decisive match for third place, he defeated Iranian competitor Kiarash Torabi with a final score of 4-2.
During the group stage, Kuzmenko demonstrated strong performance by winning two matches 3-0 against opponents from Hungary and Kenya. However, he faced a setback in his bout against a Georgian wrestler, who ultimately took the silver medal. Kuzmenko's semifinal match was also challenging, as he was not fully prepared and suffered a defeat.
The Battle for Bronze: A Dramatic Finish
The contest for the bronze medal was intense. Kuzmenko initially trailed 0-2 but managed to score one point with less than a minute remaining. Utilizing a successful challenge, he leveled the score at 2-2. In the final moments, his opponent attempted a throw, but Kuzmenko touched the sand first, securing the victory.
“I was confident when I decided to challenge because I only question a call when I know I’m right. Snatching the win in the last seconds felt incredible,” Kuzmenko shared.
After the competition, Nikita expressed his gratitude to his personal coaches, the Beach Wrestling Federation, teammates, family, Ukrainian defenders, and the entire nation for their support. “I feel calm now after all the preparation and competition phases. There’s a sense of satisfaction with the outcome, though naturally, I wished for even better,” he reflected.
The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine congratulated Kuzmenko on his bronze medal, highlighting its significance for both the country and the sport of beach wrestling. “I realize this medal is important for Ukraine and beach wrestling, but I haven’t fully grasped its meaning yet. I think that will come with time,” the athlete added.
This bronze medal marks a major milestone for Ukrainian sports, signaling the growing strength of beach wrestling in the country. Kuzmenko’s achievement at the Youth Olympic Games showcases the potential of young Ukrainian athletes to compete successfully on the global stage. Moreover, such accomplishments play a vital role in boosting the sport’s popularity among youth and encouraging new participants to engage in beach wrestling training.