Ukraine's Olympic Luge Squad Welcomed Home
A crowd gathered at Lviv's central bus station on March 9, 2026, to welcome home Ukraine's Olympic luge team following the conclusion of the XXV Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina and the 2025/26 competitive season. The event was attended by representatives of the National Olympic Committee, the sports community, military personnel, veterans, the athletes' families, and fans.
The luge team, consisting of 10 athletes and 4 coaches, achieved a 6th place finish in the team relay event at the Olympic Games. This result stands as the best performance by any Ukrainian athlete at the XXV Winter Olympics. Attendees at the celebration enjoyed a performance of the song 'Oh, the Red Viburnum in the Meadow' by students of the 'Dzherelo' ensemble. The Ukrainian delegation had also sung this iconic folk song ahead of the opening ceremony in Italy, a poignant symbol of national identity.
Supporting National Sport in Challenging Times
Head coach Taras Hartsula thanked the Ukrainian Defense Forces for enabling the team to prepare and represent the country on the international stage. The team's participation and success are particularly significant given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the resilience of its athletes. The squad included the following athletes:
- Olena Stetskiv
- Oleksandra Mokh
- Anton Dukach
- Olena Smaha
- Nazariy Kachmar
- Danyil Martsinovskyi
- Bohdan Babura (Lviv region)
- Andrii Mandzii
- Yulianna Tunytska
- Ihor Hoi (Ternopil region)
This homecoming event marked an important moment for the entire Ukrainian sports community.
The welcome ceremony for Ukraine's Olympic luge team in Lviv underscores the critical importance of supporting national sport amidst contemporary challenges.
The team's Olympic result points to the growing potential of Ukrainian athletes, even under difficult political circumstances. The involvement of military personnel and veterans at such events further demonstrates societal unity and support for those defending the country's independence.