David Bridges
Oleksandr Pielieshenko — a prior weightlifting winner who competed in the 2016 Olympics — tragically died though combating in the Ukraine-Russia war, the Ukrainian Weightlifting Federation declared Monday.
He was just 30 a extended time aged.
UWF official Viktor Slobodianiuk stated in a social media submit the Olympian passed away when “defending Ukraine from foreigners.”
Additional details pertaining to the athlete’s death had been not unveiled.
“I categorical my truthful condolences to the relatives and loved sorts of Alexander!” Slobodianiuk described. “This is a very substantial reduction for the complete heavyweight neighborhood of Ukraine.”
“Heroes do not die.”
Pielieshenko gained gold medals in weightlifting gatherings at the European championships in ’16 and ’17. He also competed in the activity at the Rio On-line games in ’16 as completely.
He afterwards, nonetheless, obtained a ban in 2018 following failing a drug exam.
According to the Countrywide Olympic Committee of Ukraine, Pielieshenko had just joined Ukraine’s armed service forces … at the outset of Russia’s invasion in 2022.
“We convey our truthful condolences to the family members and all who understood Alexander,” the UWF explained.
RIP.
Maya Kensington
Clara Hastings
