Canoeist compelled to conceal 'I am Ukrainian' inscription at Olympics

According to Suspіlne Sport, Rybachok, who is representing Ukraine in rowing, arrived at the Olympics in Paris with her canoe marked with the inscription "I am Ukrainian." However, prior to the start of the Games, she was required to cover up part of the phrase.

"The competition organizers were not pleased with the inscription and claimed it was political advertising, which we find absurd. However, rules are rules. We covered the side of the boat with a sticker and replaced the phrase with just 'Ukraine'," said Ihor Nahaev, head coach of the Ukrainian national team.

Anastasiia Rybachok will compete in the single sculls qualifying race on August 8. On August 9, she will race in the women’s double sculls with Liudmyla Luzan.

Ukraine at the 2024 Olympics

The Ukrainian national team has won 7 medals at the Olympic Games in Paris: 2 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze.

On August 3, Olha Kharlan, Alina Komashchuk, Olena Kravatska, and Yuliia Bakastova secured Ukraine's first gold medal in team sabre fencing. On August 4, track and field athlete Yaroslava Mahuchikh became an Olympic champion in the high jump.

On August 1, Serhiy Kulish earned the first silver medal for Ukraine in the 50-meter small-caliber rifle shooting from three positions. On August 5, IlIia Kovtun won silver in the uneven bars in artistic gymnastics.

Olha Kharlan also won bronze in the individual sabre fencing competition. Additionally, two more bronze medals were won by track and field athletes: Iryna Herashchenko took third in the high jump, and Mykhaylo Kokhan in the hammer throw.

Furthermore, boxer Oleksandr Khyzhniak has guaranteed himself at least a silver medal in the 80 kg category, where he will compete in the finals on August 7.