World Champion Doroshchuk Reveals Training Without Power or Heat During Wartime

Oleh Doroshchuk: World Athletics Champion

According to Главком: Oleh Doroshchuk, the world champion in athletics, has shared the extraordinary challenges of preparing for competition amid Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In March 2023, he earned his first medal at the World Athletics Indoor Championships. Foreign journalists were eager to question him about the war and his training conditions, which proved extremely difficult.

“This winter in Ukraine was tough. I had to train without electricity and without heating,” the athlete said.

Achievements and Future Goals

During the March competition, Doroshchuk delivered an impressive performance. After clearing a height of 2.26 meters, only half the participants remained in the final. He, Wu, and Richards cleared the early bars without any faults. The decisive moment came at 2.30 meters, which the Ukrainian cleared on his first attempt to take the lead. Erik Portillo matched that height. The winner was determined at 2.33 meters, but no one could clear it. Doroshchuk claimed the world title due to fewer failed attempts.

Doroshchuk's first major outdoor event will be the Diamond League stage in Rome, scheduled for June 2, 2026. This competition marks a key milestone in his career, and the athlete is preparing for new challenges ahead.

Doroshchuk's performance at the world championships stands as a powerful testament to the resilience and courage of Ukrainian athletes during wartime. His success not only highlights his sporting excellence but also draws international attention to the situation in Ukraine. Preparation for upcoming events, such as the Diamond League stage, will serve as a crucial test of his ability to overcome the hardships facing both him and his country.

As Doroshchuk prepares for his upcoming competitions, the support for Ukrainian athletes continues to grow. In a related development, the champion is set to receive a monthly scholarship of nearly 9,000 Hryvnia, which will aid him in his training efforts during these challenging times. This financial assistance underscores the commitment to supporting athletes who demonstrate resilience and determination amidst adversity. To learn more about this important initiative, read our article on the scholarship awarded to Doroshchuk.