Ukrainian athletes will dedicate their performance at the Olympics to the victims of the war.

Ukrainian athletes will participate in the Olympic Games to honor those who died as a result of the war started by Russia on Ukrainian territory. This was stated by fencer Olha Kharlan.

«The preparation was difficult. We are preparing; there are three more days until the Olympic Games. The 2023/2024 season has been successful for us, and we want to finish it successfully because we are doing this for our country. This is very important right now. Firstly, we are fighting and performing for those who cannot come here because they were killed by Russia – this is dedicated to them, as well as to the defenders, protectors, and athletes who are protecting us there», – said Kharlan.

The fencer also talked about the preparation for the competition and first impressions after arriving at the Olympics.

«We all prepared not at home, but each of us has family in Ukraine, and we haven't seen them for a very long Time. We were lucky at some point; we had the opportunity to train abroad calmly, but our families are still there. Sometimes we come home, perhaps the girls more often than I do. We are at the Olympic Games, of course, we are nervous, but we are ready, everything will be fine. What I can notice in the first half an hour after arriving – it is a very beautiful house. Very nice to see the drawings, thank you kids who drew them, it warms the heart. So far, that's all, in general, it's great, we are full of good mood», – she said.

Ukraine will participate in the Olympic Games in almost all sports, except for team sports. The football team will also represent the country at the Games for the first time. Tennis player Elina Svitolina will carry the Ukrainian flag at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games.