Kateryna Kotsar won silver at the World Cup: the first medal for Ukraine in big air

Kateryna Kotsar's success at the World Cup in freestyle

According to НОК: Kateryna Kotsar won a silver medal in big air at the World Cup in freestyle, marking Ukraine's first success in this discipline and an important step towards the 2026 Olympic Games. This achievement is significant for Ukrainian sports, as the country previously had no medals in big air at international competitions.

Currently, Kateryna ranks 15th in the world qualifying ranking, confirming her high level of preparation and competitiveness. Participation in the World Cups is an important stage in the preparation for the Olympic Games scheduled for 2026. The athlete demonstrated excellent technique and endurance, which allowed her to climb onto the podium.

'At first, I panicked, but then I calmed myself: 'Katya, relax, the flag is needed for the podium'' - Kateryna Kotsar

She also noted that before her third attempt, she realized she already had third place, which caused her strong emotions: 'Tears welled up in my eyes. It was difficult to gather myself before the jump, but I managed. When I landed and saw second place on the screen - it was a shock. I screamed, laughed, and rejoiced.'

This medal is not only a personal achievement for Kateryna Kotsar but also an important step for the development of freestyle in Ukraine. Success on the international stage can stimulate interest in this sport among youth and attract new athletes to competitions. Against the backdrop of the difficult situation in the country, such achievements highlight the potential of Ukrainian athletes and their ability to achieve high results on the world stage.