European Champion Chepurny Says Team Weakened After Losing Key Athlete

Nazar Chepurny Comments on Nationality Changes

According to Главком: In a recent interview, European gymnastics champion Nazar Chepurny addressed the decision by Illia Kovtun and Iryna Horbacheva to switch their national affiliation to Croatia in 2025. He stated that he sees no point in revisiting the matter, explaining that, in his view,

“grown adults made their own conscious choice.”

Chepurny also emphasized that the change in citizenship has taken a toll on the national team, which now finds itself without its leading figure:

“Above all, this affected the team, which was left without its leader. And of course, that has weakened us.”

Nazar Chepurny’s Achievements

Nazar Chepurny was recently named Ukraine’s top athlete for February 2026 by the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine. He claimed a gold medal in the vault at a World Cup stage held in Cottbus, Germany. He also secured the overall 2026 World Cup title in vault, competing in three of the season's five events. Chepurny had previously excelled on the parallel bars as well.

Regarding his relationship with Iryna Horbacheva, Chepurny noted that he began his career alongside her and credited her with providing the foundation for his high-level results. However, he confirmed that their paths have since diverged and they no longer communicate:

“I am very grateful to her for everything. But now our paths have split. We don’t talk.”

Hennadii Sartynskyi was named coach of the month for February 2026.

The nationality changes of Kovtun and Horbacheva have sparked considerable debate in the sports community, as both athletes were key figures in Ukrainian gymnastics. The loss of such leaders could significantly impact the team’s performance at international competitions. At the same time, Chepurny’s successes highlight the potential of Ukrainian athletes who, despite challenges, continue to achieve at the highest level on the global stage. This underscores their dedication to the sport and drive for victory.

As the Ukrainian gymnastics team navigates the challenges posed by the recent nationality changes of key athletes, Chepurny's remarkable achievements become increasingly vital. His aspirations for the upcoming competitions reflect a commitment to maintaining the team's competitive edge. To explore his specific goals for 2026 and how they may influence the national gymnastics landscape, read more about Chepurny's ambitions for the year ahead.