Ukrainian Athletes Train for the Olympics Amid Shelling and Blackouts

The memory of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, remains vivid for Olympic diver Anna Pysmenska. 

“When the invasion began at 4 a.m., I was in shock and didn’t know what to do. By 7 a.m., I was at the swimming pool training,” the 33-year-old shared with CNN Sport. “It was terrifying.”

As one of nine Ukrainian divers set to compete in the Paris Olympic Games, Pysmenska is no longer afraid; she’s channeling her anger into her sport, determined to represent her country.

For the first time in 12 years, Ukraine will have representation in all synchronized high diving and 3-meter springboard events for both men and women.

“We live under constant pressure,” said Pysmenska, who will be competing in her third Olympics. “During the day, we focus all our energy on preparing for the Games, but at night, we’re often awakened by explosions or sirens. The stress is immense.”

Originally from central Ukraine, Pysmenska trained in the eastern city of Luhansk until she fled in 2014 after Russian forces occupied the area.

“I didn’t even pack my belongings. I never imagined I wouldn’t return,” she recounted.

Since her escape, Pysmenska has been haunted by a recurring dream: attempting to return to Luhansk, only to find herself trapped by Russian forces.

After relocating her training to Kyiv, Anna Pysmenska faced another challenge when Russia attempted to invade the city again in February 2022.

Following the onset of the war, Pysmenska and her team moved to Croatia, but they returned to Kyiv in the summer of 2022. Yet, the relentless Russian attacks have made focus and preparation increasingly difficult.

“We train every day and are physically prepared, but morally, it’s tough,” Pysmenska admitted. “I was in tears a few days ago. The constant blackouts disrupt everything—I can’t eat properly. There’s no way to plan; the lights are never on. It feels like we’re living in the Stone Age. It’s incredibly unsettling.”

Power Outages and Air Raid Sirens

As Russia targets Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, blackouts have become increasingly prolonged. To combat ongoing power outages, the Ukrainian Diving Federation purchased a powerful generator for the training pool.

When an air raid siren sounds during practice, athletes must promptly stop and take shelter in the bomb shelter.

“Diving is a challenging sport,” said Ilya Tselutin, the national team coach, in an interview with CNN. “Before each jump, athletes need to warm up and prepare. After a disruption, they have to start their preparation all over again.”

A total of 136 divers from around the globe are expected to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in France. 

Judges will evaluate each dive based on several criteria, including the aesthetic quality of the diver’s movements, the dive’s complexity, and the diver’s entry into the water. In synchronized diving, additional points are awarded for how well the two divers match each other’s movements.

For coach Ilya Tselutin, these Games represent more than just competition. 

“The divers’ mission is to win top-level medals and raise the Ukrainian flag as high as possible. This is their front line right now. They aim to demonstrate that our country is resilient and our nation is invincible,” he stated.

First Appearance in Paris

The Paris Games will mark 21-year-old Danylo Konovalov’s Olympic debut.

His day starts at 7 a.m. with two training sessions. When air raid sirens sound, he utilizes the time in the basement to do some physical exercises.

Born in the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv, Konovalov has been unable to train in his hometown due to the invasion.

In April 2022, Russian forces destroyed a water pipeline, leaving the city without access to drinking water. This prompted Konovalov to initially leave Ukraine, but he soon returned to Kyiv to continue his training. His parents still reside in Mykolaiv, a city under constant attack.

“I avoid reading the news; it keeps me calmer. My mom updates me, allowing me to focus on my sport,” Konovalov shared with CNN.

On July 5, the diving team held a farewell ceremony in Kyiv, starting with a priest’s blessing at a nearby church.

Konovalov follows several superstitions that he considers crucial to his performance. “I have my lucky swimwear that helps me jump well. It’s also important to place my slippers correctly; if I have a good jump, I always put them in the same spot,” he explained.

If he wins a medal, Konovalov plans to dedicate his achievement to Ukraine and its soldiers. Despite the turmoil in his homeland, he remains determined to focus on the Olympic Games, viewing his participation as a way to support Ukraine in its fight.