Ukrainian weightlifter Oleksandr Pielieshenko, known for representing his country at the Rio 2016 Olympics, tragically lost his life during the conflict with Russia on May 5, 2024.
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The 30-year-old athlete, a two-time European champion, had joined the armed forces shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, as confirmed by the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine.
“War takes the best of us… heroes do not die,” remarked Viktor Slobodianiuk, a weightlifting coach and board member of the Ukrainian Weightlifting Federation (UWF).
Pielieshenko, who competed in the 85kg category at the Rio Games, had secured a commendable fourth position. He had also clinched gold at the European championships in both 2016 and 2017.
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However, his career was marred by a doping scandal, resulting in a ban after failing a drugs test in 2018.
In a solemn announcement on Facebook, the UWF conveyed the devastating news of Pielieshenko’s passing: “It is with great sadness that we inform you that the heart of merited master of sports of Ukraine… Oleksandr Pielieshenko has stopped beating today.”
The federation extended heartfelt condolences to Pielieshenko’s family and all those who knew him, mourning the loss of a remarkable athlete and patriot who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
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