Why She Hasn't Won a World Championship Medal Since 2018: Oksana Livach Opens Up

Oksana Livach Reflects on Her World Championship Struggles

According to Главком: Three-time European wrestling champion Oksana Livach has shared her thoughts on the difficulties she has faced at World Championships. Since 2018, she has been unable to secure a medal at this competition.

“I don’t know what to say. Every year I prepare diligently and train hard, but the medals just aren’t there. I think I feel more pressure at the World Championships and can’t manage myself mentally. At times, I’ve lacked luck and the right momentum,” Livach noted.

Hope for the Future

In her remarks, Oksana also expressed optimism about turning things around.

“I really hope this year brings a breakthrough with medals at the World Championships. What will it take? Solid preparation, analyzing my mistakes, and studying my opponents,” she said.

Livach’s main rivals come from the Asian wrestling school, including:

• Japanese wrestlers
• Korean wrestlers
• Chinese wrestlers
• Indian wrestlers

“The biggest challenge is the Asian athletes. Especially in my light weight class, some of the strongest representatives of the Asian wrestling school compete. It’s a powerful tradition. I am capable of beating them. Plus, there are also competitors from Europe and the Americas,” the athlete added.

On a positive note, Oksana Livach was named Ukraine’s Best Athlete of April 2026 by the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine. The Ukrainian national team also delivered impressive results at the 2026 European Championships, finishing first in the medal standings with 11 awards, six of them gold. This marked the first time Ukraine topped the medal table at the European Wrestling Championships. Livach claimed the European title in the under-50 kg weight class at the event in Tirana, Albania. Narek Budagyan was recognized as the Best Coach of April 2026.

Livach’s performances on the international stage highlight the fierce competition in wrestling, particularly from Asian athletes who demonstrate exceptional skill. Despite her struggles at World Championships, her achievements in European competitions underscore her significant potential and promise of future success. Being named Best Athlete of April 2026 and Ukraine’s team victory at the European Championships underscore the importance of supporting and growing wrestling in the country, opening new opportunities for Ukrainian wrestlers.

As Oksana Livach continues her journey towards reclaiming her spot on the podium, it's worth noting that she isn't the only standout athlete in Ukraine. Recently, the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine recognized the nation's top female athletes for May 2026, highlighting their remarkable achievements and contributions to sports. Discover more about these exceptional athletes and their inspiring performances by visiting the latest announcements from the NOC.