Mariya Lasitskene: Nothing will change my warm attitude toward the Ukrainian athletes

The Olympic champion in high jump Mariya Lasitskene of Russia respects Ukrainian athletes, including her rival in the Tokyo 2020 Games final, Yaroslava Mahuchikh, who was attacked on social media.

Yesterday, Yaroslava Mahuchikh posted a statement on her Facebook page, noting her loyalty to her homeland, as well as her affiliation with the Ukrainian armed forces, expressing respect for the country’s military.

“The most important thing is that Yaroslava Mahuchikh and the other Ukrainian girls feel calm and comfortable. Everything else doesn’t matter. No statements will change my warm attitude and respect for them”, wrote Mariya Lasitskene on Instagram.

On August 7, after the high jump final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Yaroslava Mahuchikh, who became a bronze medalist, embraced Mariya Lasitskene. The photo of the two, who support each other, has drawn condemnation from some Ukrainian social media users, as well as criticism from a number of officials.