Ukraine’s Olympic champion Beleniuk announces retirement after Paris Games

He shared this in an interview with Champion.

"Currently, I am still an active athlete, but I will likely retire in a week. Meanwhile, I am also working in the Ukrainian parliament, so I will have plenty to keep me occupied," said the Olympic champion of Tokyo 2020.

After the Paris Games, Beleniuk plans to focus on his political career.

"I want the war to end on Ukraine's terms. I want our economy to recover. I want millions of Ukrainians to return home because the second goal is connected to the third. I also seek strong security guarantees from our partners. If there is such an enemy as Russia in the neighborhood, which will constantly try to kill you, then only serious security measures will ensure a stable and normal life in our country," Beleniuk said.

Zhan Beleniuk will begin competing in the 2024 Olympics on August 7.

Zhan Beleniuk, who is 33 years old, is a three-time European champion and two-time world champion. He earned silver at the 2016 Olympics and gold at the 2020 Games. He is also a member of the Ukrainian parliament.

• On August 5, Ukrainian gymnast Illia Kovtun won silver in the uneven bars finals at the Olympic Games in Paris.