Ludmyla Luzan Honored as Athlete of the Year at the 30th Anniversary 'Person of the Year – 2025' Awards

Celebrating Ludmyla Luzan's Achievement

According to НОК: On October 31, 2025, during the milestone 30th edition of the "Person of the Year – 2025" event, Vadym Guttsayt, President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, presented Ludmyla Luzan with the prestigious "Athlete of the Year" award. This recognition was bestowed upon her in acknowledgment of her outstanding accomplishments throughout 2025. The "Person of the Year" program, now three decades old, honors Ukraine’s most exceptional individuals across various fields.

Highlights of Ludmyla Luzan’s Sporting Career

As a distinguished Honored Master of Sports of Ukraine, Ludmyla Luzan made remarkable strides in 2025 by securing four World Championship titles in canoe sprint and also earning the European Championship gold. Additionally, she claimed three silver medals at European Championships and was named Ukraine’s top athlete by the National Olympic Committee for the year. Her impressive career includes three Olympic medals: silver and bronze from the Tokyo 2020 Games, and silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Luzan is a full bearer of the Order of Princess Olga and has received the Order of Merit for her contributions.

The award ceremony was attended by prominent figures from Ukraine’s sports and political communities, including:

• Olha Saladukha, Member of Parliament and President of the Ukrainian Athletics Federation
• Ihor Slivinskyi, President of the Ukrainian Canoe Federation
• Oleh Hanich, Vice President of the Ukrainian Canoe Federation and First Deputy Mayor of Uman

Over the past 30 years, the "Person of the Year" awards have celebrated achievements across diverse professions, ranging from defenders of Ukraine to doctors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and cultural figures. Luzan is currently preparing for future Olympic Games, continuing her trajectory of athletic excellence.

“The Athlete of the Year award not only highlights Ludmyla Luzan’s individual successes but also underscores the vital role of sports in Ukraine during challenging times.”

Her international triumphs inspire young athletes and play a significant role in boosting the popularity of canoe sprint in Ukraine. Marking the 30-year legacy of the "Person of the Year" program, this occasion emphasizes the importance of recognizing Ukrainian contributions across society, fostering national pride and unity.