Ukrainian Karateka's Auctioned Olympic Medal Returned by Japanese Buyer

Stanislav Horuna's Medal Comes Home

According to Главком: The bronze Olympic medal that Ukrainian karateka Stanislav Horuna sold at a charity auction in 2022 has been returned to him. Horuna won the medal in the under 75 kg category at the Tokyo Olympic Games. The auction was part of the World Sports for Ukraine initiative, organized by Tribuna.com in collaboration with the volunteer organization Ukraine Alive 2022 and the Belarusian Sports Solidarity Foundation. The medal was sold for $20,500, which is equivalent to 604,500 Ukrainian hryvnias. This act of generosity highlights the global sports community's response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

A Gesture of Solidarity and Gratitude

The Japanese buyer who purchased the medal always intended to return it to Stanislav Horuna. The handover took place at a karate dojo in Tokyo. The athlete expressed profound gratitude for the medal's return, stating:

“This medal now holds a value far greater than just a sports award. It was Japan that extended a helping hand to me, and I am endlessly grateful for this return.” - Stanislav Horuna

This event underscores not only sporting spirit but also mutual aid in difficult times. The medal's return symbolizes the support Horuna received from the Japanese people and serves as a testament to how sport can unite people during hardship. In an era where many athletes face immense challenges due to global events, such acts of solidarity demonstrate the importance of supporting one another across national borders.