Ukraine Received Two Olympic Licenses in Short Track: Who Will Go to Milan-2026

According to glavcom.ua: The Ukrainian short track team has determined the participants for the 2026 Olympics. According to the Base of Ukrainian sports, the Ukrainian short track team has finished its performances at the ISU World Tour stages with the right to participate for two athletes at the Winter Olympics 2026.

Before the start of the stage in Dordrecht, Netherlands, Ukraine had chances in five disciplines and the participation of three athletes, but ultimately only Oleg Handey and Yelyzaveta Sydyrko managed to secure their places.

Participation of Ukrainian Athletes

Handey started at 500 m, finishing 23rd, missing the next stage by just one position. He also competed in the 1500 m distance, holding on to the last qualifying spot. Unfortunately, he fell out of contention in the 1000 m distance, so Ukraine will be represented in two men's distances.

Sydyrko successfully qualified in the 500 m distance, returning to this discipline after 23 years. Previously, the coach of the team, Natalia Sverchkova, competed in this distance in Nagano.

At the previous Olympic Games, Oleg Handey and Ulyana Dubrovaya participated in the 500 m and 1500 m distances, respectively.

Preparation for the 2026 Olympics

The licenses for participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics have not been specified yet, so it is unknown who will represent Ukraine in Milan. If the licenses are retained, Handey will become the second Ukrainian after Hryhoriev to compete in two consecutive Olympics, and Sydyrko will become the youngest short tracker from Ukraine in women's competitions.

At the European Youth Olympic Festival, Ukraine took 10th place in the overall medal standings, winning 5 gold, 8 silver, and 10 bronze medals.

Achievements at the Festival

This is the second performance of the Ukrainian team at festivals, following a successful outing in 2019 when they won 25 medals.

The highest number of medals this year was won in judo, as well as in sports such as swimming, athletics, taekwondo, shooting, artistic gymnastics, and table tennis.

Summer Universiade

At the World Summer Universiade in Germany, the Ukrainian team finished in 14th place, winning 12 medals: 4 gold, 3 silver, and 5 bronze. On the last day of the competitions, Mykola Rushak won bronze in the 20 km racewalk.

The Ukrainian short track team has determined the participants for the 2026 Olympics, preparing for participation in the ISU World Tour stages. According to the received information, only two athletes will compete in the Winter Olympics. Additionally, the Ukrainian team showed successful results at the Festival, winning awards in various sports.