Ukrainian rowing champion Oleksandr Kalinichenko killed on the front line.

A tragedy for Ukrainian sports

In battle, Oleksandr Kalinichenko, an outstanding Ukrainian athlete who also served in the Armed Forces, was killed. He was born on May 18, 1966, in the city of Fastiv in Kyiv region. In 1983, he became a European champion among juniors in the canoe eight.

Later, he became a coach and continued to promote Ukrainian rowing. Holding numerous awards, he decided to help defend the country. On the front lines, he proved himself not only as a devoted fighter but also as a protector.

He was not just a colleague – he was a brother in spirit. Reliable, fair, always the first where it is difficult.

Oleksandr was killed in battle, and his farewell ceremony will take place on May 17, 2025. This is yet another loss for Ukrainian sports, as boxer Volodymyr Mandziuk, a true hero both in the ring and on the battlefield, also perished in the war.

This is a tragedy for the entire country, which has lost two devoted defenders who gave their lives for Ukraine.