In Chernihiv, Ukraine, young athletes are continuing their training in cross-country skiing despite the ongoing conflict in the region. Against a backdrop of a scorched forest, these dedicated athletes display resilience, focusing on their technique until the shrill sound of a siren interrupts their sessions. There, they swiftly respond, abandoning their skis to seek refuge in underground bomb shelters.
The training facility is notably significant, having once nurtured Ukraine's first Olympic medalist. However, the current reality is grim; sleeping quarters have been ravaged by bombing, and unexploded ordnance has rendered surrounding land dangerous and off-limits. Nevertheless, around 350 children and teenagers—some of Ukraine's finest aspiring cross-country skiers and biathletes—continue to practice in designated safe areas, all while the ominous noise of drones and distant explosions serve as a constant reminder of the war.
Mykola Vorchak, a 67-year-old coach, noted in an interview that the athletes have adapted remarkably well to these precarious circumstances. He remarked that, even though it may defy safety guidelines, the children have become psychologically hardened by their experiences. They often show little reaction to the sounds of conflict around them, reflecting an unsettling normalization of danger.
The impact of war has been profound on Ukrainian sports. Many athletes have faced displacement or been called to serve in the military. Sporting events, including soccer matches, frequently encounter interruptions due to air raid sirens, limiting attendance to the capacity of available bomb shelters. Training for elite skiers and biathletes has largely shifted abroad due to ongoing attacks and frequent power outages that close local facilities.
Despite these challenges, the Sports Ski Base of the Olympic Reserve remains operational for cross-country skiing and biathlon, which merges skiing with shooting. Located on the outskirts of Chernihiv—around two hours north of Kyiv—the complex has witnessed significant destruction from Russia's 2022 invasion but continues to ensure some level of training continuity for young athletes.
Temporary structures at the sports center now serve essential functions such as changing rooms and coach offices, while athletes train on snowy trails in winter and utilize roller skis on an asphalt track marked with blast scars during the non-winter months. Biathletes train to shoot with laser rifles at electronic targets, then jog back to their starting points, demonstrating their tenacity amid adversity.
Valentyna Tserbe-Nesina, who trained at the Chernihiv center and secured a bronze medal at the 1994 Winter Games in Lillehammer—the first Olympic medal for Ukraine after independence—shared her sorrow regarding the destruction of the facility. Having witnessed the shelling that damaged the center, she spoke of the emotional toll it had taken, describing how her old room had been reduced to rubble.
In the wake of this devastation, Tserbe-Nesina now dedicates her time to supporting the community by organizing funerals for fallen soldiers while her husband serves at the front lines. Their infrequent reunions highlight the personal sacrifices made by many in wartime Ukraine.
Another athlete, Khrystyna Dmytrenko, represents the spirit of defiance against the conflict. A former member of a territorial defense unit, she is preparing for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics set to begin on February 6. Dmytrenko emphasized that sports serve as a testament to Ukraine’s resilience, showcasing national unity and determination on the global stage.
The International Olympic Committee has placed bans on Russian athletes following the invasion, extending existing sanctions related to doping. While some Russian athletes will be allowed to participate in the upcoming Winter Games under strict conditions, Ukrainian athletes view their preparation as a defiant act amid ongoing conflict. Former Olympic biathlete Nina Lemesh pointed out that young athletes at the Chernihiv ski base, who took up training during a time of war, are emerging as champions internationally.
Ukrainians' unwavering presence and dedication to their sport remain a beacon of hope amid adversity, ensuring that the next generation of Olympians continues to strive for success against all odds.
