Two Ukrainian athletes have died at the front: what we know about them.
Tragedy at the Front
According to inkorr.com: During a combat mission in the Kupiansk direction, Mykola Hetmanov, a player of the Kharkiv rugby club 'Legion XIII', who served in the 'KORD' special unit, was killed. This was reported by the Rugby Federation of Ukraine.
Mykola was not only a talented athlete and a dedicated player for his team, but also a true patriot who stood up to defend Ukraine from the very first days of the full-scale war.
'His courage, willpower, and team spirit will forever remain an example for all who knew him,' said the Rugby Federation of Ukraine in a statement.
Mykola is survived by his wife and four-year-old son. The Rugby Federation of Ukraine expressed its sincere condolences to the family, relatives, and friends, as well as to the entire sports community. His name will forever remain in the history of Ukrainian rugby and in the hearts of those who had the honor to be close to him. Heroes do not die.
Memory of Vitaliy Rymaruk
Another titled Ukrainian athlete, Vitaliy Rymaruk, was also killed at the front.
The 26-year-old discus thrower was the champion of Ukraine among youth and a prizewinner at the adults' championship. Vitaliy served as an officer in the National Guard of Ukraine and was killed in the Pokrovsk direction in the Donetsk region.
He is survived by his wife and a small daughter.
During the performance of their duties at the front, two outstanding Ukrainian athletes - Mykola Hetmanov and Vitaliy Rymaruk - were killed. Both devotedly served their country and will remain in the memory of the Ukrainian sports world as true heroes.
The deaths of Mykola Hetmanov and Vitaliy Rymaruk were a heavy blow to Ukrainian sports. These young men not only achieved success on the sports field but also demonstrated true patriotism in the most difficult times. Their feats will remain in the memory not only for their loved ones but for the entire nation that values the courage and selflessness of its heroes.
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