Freestyle Skier Kotsar Presented with IOC-Banned Slogan Shirt at Krakivets Border Welcome

Kateryna Kotsar Welcomed at the Krakivets Border Crossing

According to Главком: Freestyle skier Kateryna Kotsar was greeted at the 'Krakivets' border crossing on February 23, 2026, following her participation in the 2026 Olympic Games. The 25-year-old athlete, who became the first Ukrainian woman to reach the Olympic final in the big air discipline, where she placed 10th, was welcomed by border guards from the Seventh Carpathian Border Detachment. This homecoming highlights the immense pride Ukraine takes in its athletes competing on the world stage.

To honor her achievements, Kotsar was presented with flowers, a green beret, and a t-shirt bearing the slogan 'Be brave like Ukrainians'. This was the same slogan the International Olympic Committee had prohibited her from displaying on her helmet prior to the start of the Games. Her Olympic performance also included competing in the slopestyle qualification, where she finished 14th. After the Olympics concluded, Kotsar secured a gold medal at the European Freestyle Cup.

'We defended our honor,' stated Kateryna Kotsar, emphasizing the significance of her accomplishments for Ukraine and its sporting community.

The event served as a meaningful moment of recognition for the athlete and demonstrated the strong support for her back in her homeland.

The Significance of Kateryna Kotsar's Accomplishments

This occasion underscores the growing prominence of Ukrainian athletes in international competition, particularly at the Olympic Games, which serve as a platform for showcasing athletic excellence and national pride. Kateryna Kotsar's participation in the final, coupled with her subsequent success at the European Cup, points to the development of freestyle skiing in Ukraine and signals potential for further achievements in the future.