Oleksandr Belichenko: Olympic weightlifter from Ukraine dies while fighting in the war with Russia

CNN
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Weightlifter Oleksandr Belichenko, who competed for Ukraine at the 2016 Rio Olympics the OlympicsHe died while fighting in his country’s war with Russia, according to statements issued by the Ukrainian Olympic Committee and the Ukrainian Weightlifting Federation published Monday.

“On May 5, Ukrainian sports master Oleksandr Belichenko died in the war with the enemy; one of the competitors of the 2016 Olympic Games, where he took fourth place and two-time European champion in weightlifting,” Ukrainian National Olympic Committee to publish On social media.

“From the first days of the all-out invasion, Oleksandr joined the ranks of the armed forces. Yesterday we received the sad news of his death. The Olympic family extends its condolences to the athlete’s family, friends and relatives. A bright and eternal memory of the hero! The statement concluded.

The 30-year-old Belichenko was a two-time European gold medalist, winning the 85kg weight category at the 2016 and 2017 European Weightlifting Championships.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and everyone who knew Alexander!” The Ukrainian Weightlifting Federation said Monday in its report statement.

CNN has reached out to the Ukrainian Olympic Committee and the Ukrainian Weightlifting Federation for more information.

Ukrainian national weightlifting coach Viktor Slobodyaniuk said in A Social media sharing: “War takes the best… Master of Sports of Ukraine, two-time European champion, Olympic weightlifting competitor Oleksandr Belichenko died heroically defending Ukraine against the invaders.

“I express my sincere condolences to Oleksandr’s family and relatives! This is an extremely huge loss for the entire Ukrainian weightlifting community. Champions never die.”