Oksana Livach: European Champion and Her Achievements
Three-time European wrestling champion Oksana Livach has confirmed she has no plans to move up to a heavier weight class. She competes consistently at 50 kilograms. In addition, the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine named her the country's best female athlete for April 2026.
At the 2026 European Championships, held in Tirana, Albania, Livach secured the European title in the under-50 kg category. She stated:
“Am I planning to move up in weight? No, I am not. It turns out that 50 kg is my permanent weight class. Physically, I cannot gain more weight—that is just how my body works.”
Livach also shared insights into her competition preparation:
“Do I have to cut weight before competitions? Almost never. At least, I do not go through the exhausting weight cuts that other girls experience.”
Ukraine's Team Success
Ukraine's national wrestling team delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 European Championships, finishing first in the overall medal standings. The Ukrainian squad collected 11 medals, including 6 golds. This marked a historic milestone, as it was the first time Ukraine had topped the medal table at the European Wrestling Championships. Prior to 2026, Ukrainian wrestlers had never placed higher than second.
Narek Budagyan, Oksana Livach's personal coach, was named the best coach for April 2026. This recognition further highlights the accomplishments of both the athlete and her mentor.
Oksana Livach continues to deliver remarkable results in her weight category, maintaining her status as one of Europe's strongest female wrestlers. Her commitment to staying at 50 kg, along with her lack of need for drastic weight cuts before competitions, reflects her physical conditioning and natural adaptation to the sport's demands. Ukraine's strong showing at the European Championships underscores the growing strength of Ukrainian athletics on the international stage, which could serve as additional motivation for young athletes in the country.
As Oksana Livach continues to excel in her weight class, she faces formidable challenges from her toughest rivals, particularly from Asian athletes. To understand the dynamics of these competitions and how they influence her performance, read more about the key challenges Livach encounters in her wrestling career here.