Goh Chaihin/AFP/Getty Images
Oleksandr Pierieshenko will represent Ukraine at Rio 2016.
CNN
—
Weightlifter Oleksandr Pieryeshenko participated in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, representing Ukraine. OlympicA statement from the Ukrainian Olympic Committee and the Ukrainian Weightlifting Federation released on Monday said he died during the country’s war with Russia.
“On May 5th, the honored master of Ukrainian sports, Oleksandr Pieryeshchenko, died in the war with the enemy. He was a participant in the 2016 Olympics, took 4th place, and twice won the European Weightlifting Championships,” the Ukrainian state said. olympic committee Posted on social media.
“From the first days of the full-scale invasion, Oleksandr became a member of the army. Yesterday we received the sad news of his death. The Olympic family sends its condolences to the athlete’s family, friends and relatives. In memory of a glorious and eternal hero!,” the statement concluded.
Pierjeshenko, 30, is a two-time European gold medalist, winning the 85kg category at the European Weightlifting Championships in 2016 and 2017.
from social media
According to the statement, Pieriyeshenko died during the war between Ukraine and Russia.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and everyone who knew Mr. Oleksandr,” the Ukrainian Weightlifting Federation said in a report on Monday. statement.
CNN has contacted the Ukrainian Olympic Committee and the Ukrainian Weightlifting Federation for more information.
Viktor Slobodianuk, Ukraine’s national weightlifting coach, said: social media posts: “War brings out the best… Honored Ukrainian Master of Sports, two-time European champion and Olympic weightlifting competitor Oleksandr Pieryeshenko died heroically defending Ukraine from invaders.
“My deepest condolences to Mr. Oleksandr’s family and relatives. This is a huge loss for the entire Ukrainian weightlifting community. Heroes never die.”
