Yesterday, a solemn meeting of Ukrainian Olympians who returned from the 2024 Games in Paris took place at the Kyiv railway station. Among those who arrived were bronze medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling Zhan Beleniuk, silver medalists and two-time medalist Olga Harlan. The meeting was attended by the president of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Ukraine, Vadym Gutzait, and the Minister of Youth and Sports, Matviy Bidny.
During the ceremony, Zhan Beleniuk shook hands only with Minister Bidny, ignoring Vadym Gutzeit. To the journalist's question about the reasons for such behavior, the athlete replied that they do not communicate.
This incident is a continuation of the long-standing conflict between Belenyuk and Gutzeit. The head of the NOC did not congratulate Zhan Beleniuk for his bronze medal at the Olympics, while other Ukrainian medalists received congratulations from Gutzeit. Previously, Gutzeit publicly congratulated all Ukrainian athletes who won medals at the Games, but Beleniuk remained out of his attention.
According to Belenyuk's latest statements, he does not care about Gutzeit's behavior. The athlete emphasized that his personal relationship with the head of the NOC does not affect his sports achievements.
Against the background of this conflict, the solemn meeting of Ukrainian Olympians at the train station became a touching moment of unity. The athletes, together with the fans, performed the national anthem of Ukraine, emphasizing their pride for their achievements on the international stage, despite internal disputes.
