Famous Ukrainian Sportspersons

Wladimir Klitschko was a dominant Ukrainian professional boxer, known for his strategic and intelligent fighting style. He held multiple world heavyweight titles and is considered one of the greatest champions in the sport's history. Klitschko's career highlights include winning a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics, defeating notable opponents such as Chris Byrd and Sultan Ibragimov, and being trained by the legendary Emanuel Steward. He set numerous records in boxing, including the longest cumulative heavyweight title reign and most wins in unified championship fights. Klitschko was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2021.

Oleksandr Usyk is a highly accomplished Ukrainian professional boxer who has made a significant impact in the sport. He has held the undisputed championship in two weight classes, cruiserweight and heavyweight, and has reigned as the undisputed world heavyweight champion. Usyk has also held various titles such as the IBO and Ring magazine titles. Known for his impressive record and achievements, he is recognized for becoming the first boxer to hold all four major sanctioning bodies' world titles in the "four-belt era."

Vasiliy Anatolyevich Lomachenko is a Ukrainian professional boxer known for his successful career in multiple weight classes, holding world championships from featherweight to lightweight. With an impressive amateur record, Lomachenko has excelled in various competitions, winning gold at the Olympics and multiple world championships. Making his professional debut in 2013, he quickly rose to prominence, showcasing exceptional skills such as hand speed, timing, and footwork. Lomachenko has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, solidifying his status as one of the top boxers in the world.

Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk is a Ukrainian professional basketball player who currently plays for the Boston Celtics in the NBA. He previously played college basketball for the Kansas Jayhawks and also represented the Ukraine national team at the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Mykhailiuk began his professional career with Cherkaski Mavpy in the Ukrainian Basketball SuperLeague before moving to the NBA. He achieved an NBA championship as a reserve player with the Boston Celtics during the 2023-24 season.

Yevhen Konoplyanka is a retired Ukrainian professional footballer known for his career as a winger. He started at Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, playing over 200 matches and scoring 45 goals. He then joined Sevilla, winning the Europa League, before moving to Schalke 04. Konoplyanka returned to Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk, also playing for Cracovia and CFR Cluj. He earned over 80 caps for the Ukrainian national team, scoring 21 goals, and represented his country in multiple UEFA European Championships. Konoplyanka is a three-time Ukrainian Footballer of the Year winner.

Yuliya Levchenko is a highly accomplished Ukrainian high jumper with an impressive professional track record. She has excelled at both the international and European levels, winning medals at prestigious events such as the World Championships and European Championships. Levchenko's achievements include a silver medal at the 2017 World Championships, as well as bronze and silver medals at European indoor competitions. She has also secured gold at the 2014 Youth Olympics and bronze at the 2016 World U20 Championships, in addition to winning five Ukrainian national titles.

Igor Vovchanchyn is a retired Ukrainian mixed martial artist and kickboxer known for his success in early no holds barred MMA contests. He won nine openweight mixed martial arts tournaments and three superfights, establishing himself as one of the most successful fighters in the sport. Vovchanchyn holds the longest unbeaten streak in MMA history, sharing the record with Travis Fulton. He is also recognized for achieving the second most wins by knockout in MMA history and has a tournament named after him, the Igor Vovchanchyn Cup.

Elina Svitolina is a Ukrainian professional tennis player who has achieved significant success in her career. She has reached career-high rankings of world No. 3 in singles and 108 in doubles by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA). Svitolina has won 17 WTA Tour singles titles, including the 2018 WTA Finals, and has reached three major singles semifinals. She made history as the first Ukrainian woman to reach the top 10 in rankings. Svitolina has also had strong performances at Grand Slam tournaments, including reaching the semifinals at Wimbledon and the US Open.

Anna Muzychuk is a highly accomplished Ukrainian chess player, holding the title of Grandmaster. She has made significant achievements in fast chess, winning the Women's World Rapid Chess Championship in 2014 and the Women's World Blitz Chess Championship twice in 2014 and 2016. Additionally, she was the runner-up in the 2017 Women's World Championship. Muzychuk has a remarkable competitive history, including victories in various youth and women's championships. She is known for her principled stance against discrimination, exemplified by her boycott of championships in Saudi Arabia.

Valeriy Lobanovskyi was a legendary Soviet and Ukrainian football player and manager. Most famous for his successful spells with FC Dynamo Kyiv and the USSR national football team, Lobanovskyi led Dynamo to multiple Soviet Top League and Soviet Cup victories. He achieved historic success in European competitions, winning the Cup Winners' Cup twice. Lobanovskyi is highly regarded as one of the greatest football managers of all time, having won 33 official trophies and coached multiple Ballon d'Or winners.

Lesia Tsurenko is a successful Ukrainian professional tennis player with an impressive career record. She has claimed four singles titles on the WTA Tour and has also secured victories in ten singles and eight doubles tournaments on the ITF Women's Circuit. Tsurenko reached her highest singles ranking of world No. 23 on 18 February 2019, showcasing her talent and consistency on the court. Additionally, she achieved a doubles ranking of No. 115 on 28 May 2018, further highlighting her versatility and skill in both singles and doubles play.

Yaroslava Mahuchikh is a Ukrainian high jumper known for her impressive achievements in the sport. She holds the women's high jump world record and has won several medals in prestigious competitions, including the Olympics, World Championships, and World Indoor Championships. With a remarkable jump of 2.10 m at the 2024 Paris Diamond League, she further solidified her status as one of the top high jumpers in the world. Her consistent success and record-breaking performances demonstrate her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.

Nikita Krylov is a Ukrainian professional mixed martial artist competing in the Light Heavyweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). With a professional career spanning since 2012, Krylov has showcased his skills in organizations like M-1 Global before joining the UFC. As of December 19, 2023, he holds the impressive rank of #6 in the UFC light heavyweight division. Known for his athleticism and fighting prowess, Krylov continues to make waves in the MMA world with his dynamic performances inside the octagon.

Yaroslav Amosov is a highly accomplished Ukrainian mixed martial artist competing in the Welterweight division of Bellator MMA. As the former Bellator Welterweight Champion, he has achieved significant success in the world of MMA. With numerous titles to his name, including four-time world sambo champion, two-time European and Eurasia champion, and European Cup winner, Amosov has proven himself as a formidable force in the sport. His consistent victories in national and international competitions have solidified his reputation as a top-tier athlete in the MMA world.

Lilia Podkopayeva is a retired Ukrainian artistic gymnast who achieved significant success in her career. She notably won the world all-around championship in 1995 and claimed the all-around and floor exercise titles at the 1996 Olympics. Podkopayeva was recognized for her exceptional combination of power, style, and balletic grace, making her a well-rounded and admired athlete in the gymnastics world. Her professional achievements continue to inspire and leave a lasting impact on the sport.

Sergey Bubka is a former Ukrainian pole vaulter who represented the Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1991. He won six consecutive IAAF World Championships, an Olympic gold medal, and broke the world record for men's pole vault 35 times. Bubka was the first pole vaulter to clear 6.0 meters and 6.10 meters. He held both the indoor and outdoor world records for pole vaulting. Bubka has served in various leadership roles in athletics organizations, including as Senior Vice President of the IAAF and President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine.

Mariya Muzychuk is a prominent Ukrainian chess grandmaster known for her remarkable achievements in the world of chess. She has held the title of Women's World Chess Champion and has been a two-time women's champion of Ukraine. Muzychuk has also secured victories at the World Team and European Team championships with Ukraine. Her success extends to the Women's Chess Olympiad, where she has won gold, silver, and bronze medals representing her country. Muzychuk's professional career is defined by her exceptional skill and numerous accolades in the chess world.

Andriy Shevchenko is a Ukrainian former professional football player and manager, renowned as one of the greatest strikers of all time. He played for Dynamo Kyiv, AC Milan, Chelsea, and the Ukraine national team, achieving numerous accolades including league titles and a UEFA Champions League win. Shevchenko has also excelled in coaching, leading the Ukraine national team to success in major tournaments. He transitioned briefly into politics before returning to football, eventually becoming the President of the Ukrainian Football Association.

Andriy Yarmolenko is a Ukrainian professional footballer who plays as a winger or forward for Dynamo Kyiv in the Ukrainian Premier League. He also captains the Ukraine national team and has been a full international player since 2009. Yarmolenko has scored 46 goals in 122 matches for Ukraine and has represented his country at multiple UEFA European Championships. Known for his skills on the field, Yarmolenko continues to be a key player for both his club and the national team.

Daria Bilodid is a highly accomplished Ukrainian judoka with a remarkable track record in international competitions. She has achieved significant success in the 48 kg and 57 kg divisions, winning gold medals at the World Championships and European Championships. Her impressive performance includes securing medals at top-tier events like the Olympics, where she claimed a bronze medal. Known for her skill and dedication, Bilodid continues to excel in the world of judo, solidifying her reputation as a top-tier athlete.

Viktor Petrenko is a Ukrainian former competitive figure skater who achieved Olympic Champion status in 1992. He has represented various countries during his career, including the Soviet Union, the Unified Team, and Ukraine. After moving to the United States in 1994, he has worked as an International Skating Union (ISU) Technical Specialist, toured professionally, and coached figure skating. Petrenko's professional life is characterized by his expertise in the sport, both as a technical specialist and a coach, along with his continued involvement in international skating events.

Anna Bessonova is a highly accomplished former Ukrainian individual rhythmic gymnast, renowned for her exceptional achievements in the sport. Throughout her career, she has earned numerous accolades, including two Olympic bronze medals and multiple medals in World Championships, European Championships, and Grand Prix Finals. Bessonova's remarkable success and skill have solidified her reputation as one of the most decorated rhythmic gymnasts of her generation, inspiring admiration and respect from fans and fellow athletes alike.

Serhiy Rebrov is a Ukrainian professional football manager and former player known for his time as a striker at Dynamo Kyiv. He achieved international recognition as Andriy Shevchenko's attacking partner and is a top scorer in the Ukrainian Premier League. Rebrov represented Ukraine in 75 matches, scoring 15 goals, including playing in the country's first World Cup appearance in 2006. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, notably leading Dynamo Kyiv and Hungarian club Ferencváros before taking over as the manager of the Ukraine national team.

Dmytro Chygrynskyy is a Ukrainian professional footballer who primarily played as a centre-back for Shakhtar Donetsk. He had two stints with the club, winning multiple Ukrainian Premier League titles, Ukrainian Cups, and the UEFA Cup in 2009. Chygrynskyy spent a season with Barcelona in Spain before returning to Shakhtar. He also represented the Ukraine national team, making 29 appearances between 2007 and 2011. Despite being in the squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, he was unable to play due to injury.

Natalia Zhukova is a highly accomplished Ukrainian chess grandmaster, having secured numerous titles and accolades throughout her career. She has excelled in both age-group and international women's tournaments, showcasing her exceptional skills on the board. Zhukova's contributions to the Ukrainian women's national team, where she has been a key member since a young age, have been invaluable. Her impressive performance at the 2006 Women's Chess Olympiad further solidified her reputation as a formidable force in the world of chess.

Andriy Pyatov is a retired professional footballer from Ukraine who excelled as a goalkeeper during his career. He spent the majority of his professional career playing for Shakhtar Donetsk in the Ukrainian Premier League. Pyatov was known for his exceptional shot-stopping abilities, commanding presence in the penalty area, and leadership qualities on the field. He played a crucial role in numerous domestic triumphs for Shakhtar Donetsk, contributing to their success in both league competitions and cup tournaments.

Alex Len is a Ukrainian professional basketball player who currently plays for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. Before joining the NBA, he played college basketball for the Maryland Terrapins and also spent a season with Dnipro. His career has been marked by his skills as a center, showcasing his abilities in both college and professional basketball. Len's journey from college to the NBA has seen him establish himself as a valuable player, contributing to the success of the teams he has played for.

Katarina Zavatska is a Ukrainian tennis player with notable achievements in both singles and doubles competitions. She has reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 103 and a doubles ranking of 337. Zavatska has secured victories in eight singles and two doubles titles on the ITF Circuit. Additionally, she has shown prowess on the ITF Junior Circuit, reaching a career-high ranking of No. 13. Zavatska's performance at the 2016 French Open included a quarterfinal appearance in the girls' singles category.

Oleksii Novikov is a renowned Ukrainian professional strongman who has achieved great success in the world of strength athletics. He made history by winning the prestigious World's Strongest Man competition in 2020, becoming the second Ukrainian to claim this title. Known for his exceptional strength and skill, Novikov has also clinched victories in other major competitions such as the World's Ultimate Strongman and Europe’s Strongest Man. He holds multiple world records in various weight categories, showcasing his remarkable talent and dominance in the sport.

Vasyl Mykhailovych Ivanchuk is a renowned Ukrainian chess grandmaster who achieved the title of Grandmaster in 1988. He has consistently been a top player in the chess world since then, having reached the No. 2 spot on the FIDE world rankings multiple times. Ivanchuk has claimed victories in prestigious tournaments such as Linares, Wijk aan Zee, Tal Memorial, Gibraltar Masters, and M-Tel Masters. Notably, he secured the World Blitz Championship in 2007 and the World Rapid Championship in 2016, solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the chess arena.

Anna Ushenina is a Ukrainian chess grandmaster known for her remarkable achievements in the world of chess. She gained international recognition for becoming the Women's World Chess Champion in November 2012, holding the prestigious title until September 2013. Throughout her professional career, Ushenina has demonstrated exceptional strategic skills and a deep understanding of the game, earning respect and admiration from fellow chess players and fans worldwide. Her dedication to the sport and consistent performance have solidified her reputation as a formidable force in the chess world.

Maryna Moroz is a Ukrainian professional mixed martial artist competing in the Women's Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). She is known for her skills and techniques in MMA and has garnered a following of fans. In addition to her MMA career, Moroz serves as a boxing coach for the Ukrainian Olympic women's boxing team, showcasing her expertise and passion for combat sports. Her dedication to both fighting and coaching highlights her commitment to the combat sports community.

Alona Bondarenko is a former Ukrainian tennis player, known for her impressive career achievements. She reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 19 in April 2008. Bondarenko scored notable victories during her career, including defeating former world No. 1 Jelena Janković at the 2010 Australian Open. She also clinched the 2008 Australian Open women's doubles title with her sister Kateryna, triumphing over Victoria Azarenka and Shahar Pe'er in the finals. Bondarenko has showcased her talent in both singles and doubles competitions throughout her professional tennis journey.

Oksana Baiul is a retired Ukrainian competitive figure skater who achieved great success in her career. She won the world championship in 1993 and the Olympic gold medal in 1994, becoming the first Olympic champion of independent Ukraine in any sport. Following her Olympic victory, Baiul moved to the United States to participate in professional ice skating tours and shows. She also made TV appearances, took part in benefit skates, and authored two books. Baiul's professional life has been marked by her continued involvement in figure skating and entertainment.

Oleksandr Gvozdyk is a highly accomplished Ukrainian professional boxer who has made a significant impact in the light-heavyweight division. Known by the nickname "The Nail," Gvozdyk held the WBC and lineal light-heavyweight titles during his career. With an impressive knockout-to-win ratio of 77.7%, he has established himself as a formidable force in the boxing world. His achievements include winning a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics and a gold at the 2013 Summer Universiade, showcasing his prowess both as an amateur and as a professional boxer.

Denys Oleksandrovych Boyko is a Ukrainian professional footballer known for his skills as a goalkeeper. Throughout his career, Boyko has showcased exceptional talent and dedication on the field, earning him a reputation as a reliable and consistent player. He has represented various clubs at both domestic and international levels, demonstrating his agility, shot-stopping abilities, and leadership qualities. Boyko's professional journey is marked by numerous achievements and contributions to the teams he has played for, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the world of football.

Ruslan Ponomariov is a distinguished Ukrainian chess grandmaster known for his remarkable achievements in the world of chess. He made a significant mark by becoming the FIDE World Chess Champion from 2002 to 2004. Throughout his career, he showcased his exceptional skills by winning the Ukrainian Chess Championship in 2011 and achieving notable results in prestigious events such as being the runner-up in the Chess World Cup in 2005 and 2009. Ponomariov's consistent performance has cemented his reputation as a formidable force in the chess world.

Serghei Spivac is a Moldovan mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Heavyweight division. With a professional career that began in 2014, he has also fought for various other promotions. As of March 26, 2024, Spivac holds the #9 spot in the UFC heavyweight rankings, showcasing his skill and dedication to the sport. Known for his strength and technique, he continues to make a name for himself in the competitive world of mixed martial arts with his impressive performances in the octagon.

Vyacheslav Glazkov had a successful career as a professional boxer from 2009 to 2016. He competed in the heavyweight division and notably challenged for the IBF heavyweight title in 2016. Unfortunately, his title shot ended in defeat against Charles Martin due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. This injury ultimately led to his retirement from the sport. Glazkov also achieved success as an amateur, winning a silver medal at the 2007 World Amateur Boxing Championships and a bronze at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Anastasiia Motak is a Ukrainian artistic gymnast known for her exceptional skills and achievements in the sport. She has demonstrated outstanding performance by winning the title of the 2020 Ukrainian National Champion. Additionally, Motak was a key member of the gold medal-winning team at the prestigious 2020 European Championships, showcasing her talent and dedication to gymnastics at an international level. Her success in competitions highlights her hard work, skill, and determination to excel in the field of artistic gymnastics.

Ruslan Rotan is a retired Ukrainian professional footballer who also served as the manager of Oleksandriya. He enjoyed a successful career as a midfielder, representing prominent clubs and the Ukraine national team. Rotan's leadership abilities and tactical acumen earned him the role of manager after retiring from playing. Throughout his career, he demonstrated exceptional skills on the field, contributing to both club and country with his vision, passing accuracy, and work rate. Rotan's transition to coaching reflects his passion for the sport and desire to continue making a positive impact.

Slava Medvedenko is a former professional basketball player from Ukraine, best known for his time with the Atlanta Hawks and the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA as a power forward. Following his retirement from basketball, Medvedenko transitioned into a political career in Ukraine. Known for his skills on the court, he brought his determination and work ethic to his new role in politics, seeking to make a positive impact in his home country through public service and policy initiatives.

Viktor Vasylovych Postol is a Ukrainian professional boxer known for holding the WBC light-welterweight title from 2015 to 2016. He has challenged twice for the WBO light-welterweight title in 2016 and 2020. As of May 2021, Postol is ranked among the top light-welterweights in the world by various boxing ranking organizations. With an impressive career record, he continues to be a prominent figure in the sport, showcasing his skills and determination in the ring.

Maria Gorokhovskaya was a pioneering Soviet gymnast of Jewish descent who achieved remarkable success in her career. She made history at the 1952 Summer Olympics by becoming the first woman to win seven medals at a single Olympics. Gorokhovskaya excelled in various gymnastics disciplines, earning gold in the all-around competition and contributing significantly to the Soviet team's success. After retiring from competition, she transitioned to a successful career as a judge and lecturer in the gymnastics world before eventually becoming a coach in Israel.

Marta Olehivna Kostyuk is a Ukrainian professional tennis player known for her impressive career-high rankings of world No. 16 in singles and No. 27 in doubles. She has claimed one singles title at the 2023 ATX Open and two doubles titles at the 2022 Slovenia Open and 2023 Birmingham Classic on the WTA Tour. Notably, Kostyuk reached the quarterfinals of the 2024 Australian Open, showcasing her talent and determination on the court.

Oleg Anatolyevich Salenko is a former Russian-Ukrainian footballer known for his impressive performance as a forward. He achieved international acclaim during the 1994 World Cup by scoring a record five goals in a single group-stage match. This outstanding feat earned him the Golden Boot as the joint-top goalscorer of the tournament. Salenko's skill and goal-scoring abilities solidified his reputation as a talented and accomplished player on the world stage, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of football.

Olha Kharlan is a highly accomplished Ukrainian sabre fencer with a remarkable professional career. She is a five-time individual women’s world sabre champion, a five-time Olympic medalist, and has been ranked #1 in the world in women's sabre for multiple seasons. Kharlan has also achieved success at the team and individual European championships, as well as at the Olympics. She was inducted into the hall of fame of the International Fencing Federation and briefly pursued a political career alongside her fencing achievements.

Dayana Yastremska is a Ukrainian professional tennis player who has achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 21 by the WTA. She has secured three WTA Tour titles and reached the semifinals at the 2024 Australian Open. Yastremska had a rapid rise on the WTA Tour, winning her first title at the Hong Kong Open in 2018. Despite a provisional suspension in 2021 due to a positive drug test result, she was later cleared of responsibility and made a successful return to competition.

Oleg Blokhin is a legendary Ukrainian and Soviet football player and manager. He was a standout striker for Dynamo Kyiv and the Soviet Union, holding records for most goals scored for both teams. Blokhin has won numerous titles and awards during his career, including eight Soviet league titles, five national cups, and two European Cup Winners' Cups. He is the only player to have been capped over 100 times for the Soviet Union and has won multiple Footballer of the Year awards. As a coach, he has managed the Ukraine national team at major tournaments.

Anatoliy Tymoshchuk is a Ukrainian football coach and former midfielder, known for his successful career with clubs such as Shakhtar Donetsk, Zenit Saint Petersburg, and Bayern Munich. He has won numerous domestic and international titles, including the UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Champions League. Tymoshchuk also holds the record for the most caps for the Ukraine national team and has represented his country in major tournaments. Despite his achievements, he faced controversy for his association with Zenit Saint Petersburg during Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Alexandr Dolgopolov is a retired Ukrainian professional tennis player known for reaching the quarterfinals of the 2011 Australian Open. He achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 13 in January 2012. Dolgopolov changed the spelling of his forename in May 2010. Throughout his career, he displayed a unique playing style and had notable successes in various tournaments. His skills and achievements on the tennis court earned him a solid reputation among fans and fellow players alike.

Júnior Moraes is a professional footballer known for his role as a forward. Originally from Brazil, he has gained recognition for his contributions to the Ukraine national team. Throughout his career, Moraes has showcased his skills and talent on the field, earning him a reputation as a reliable and skilled player. His ability to score goals and make impactful plays has made him a valuable asset to the teams he has played for, solidifying his status as a respected footballer in the sport.

Andriy Pushkar, also known as Andrey Pushkar, was a Ukrainian professional arm wrestler and bodybuilder. Widely regarded as one of the greatest armwrestlers of all time, he achieved remarkable success in his career. Pushkar won the World Armwrestling Championship an unprecedented eleven times in both right and left hand categories. His dedication and skill in the sport led him to become a dominant force in arm wrestling competitions, showcasing his exceptional strength and technique to the world.

Andriy Viktorovych Voronin is a Ukrainian professional football manager and former player, known for his time in the Bundesliga of Germany. He played as a striker or attacking midfielder for clubs such as Borussia Mönchengladbach, Mainz 05, 1. FC Köln, Bayer Leverkusen, Liverpool, Hertha BSC, and Dynamo Moscow. Voronin was the top goalscorer in the 2. Bundesliga in the 2002–03 season, which led to a transfer to 1. FC Köln. He also represented Ukraine in 74 matches, including the 2006 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012.

Denys Berinchyk is a highly accomplished Ukrainian professional boxer, known for his success in both amateur and professional competitions. He has held the WBO lightweight title since May 18, 2024, showcasing his skill and determination in the ring. With silver medals from the 2011 World Championships and the 2012 Summer Olympics, Berinchyk has proven his talent at the highest levels of the sport. His diverse experiences include a successful bare-knuckle debut against a former UFC fighter and a remarkable academic achievement with a PhD in physical education and sport.

Alexander Dimitrenko is a Ukrainian-born German former professional boxer who competed from 2001 to 2019. He held the European heavyweight title from 2010 to 2011. Throughout his career, Dimitrenko faced notable opponents and gained recognition for his skills in the ring. He showcased his talent and determination in various matches, earning respect within the boxing community. Dimitrenko's boxing career spanned nearly two decades, during which he left a lasting impact on the sport with his performances and achievements.

Sergiy Derevyanchenko is a highly skilled Ukrainian professional boxer known for challenging for world middleweight titles multiple times. He has competed for prestigious titles such as the IBF, IBO, and WBC championships. With a successful amateur background, including a bronze medal at the 2007 World Amateur Boxing Championships, Derevyanchenko has showcased his talent and determination in the boxing world. As of February 2021, he is recognized as one of the top middleweight boxers globally by various ranking bodies, solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the sport.

Igor Ivanovich Belanov, a former Soviet and Ukrainian professional footballer, excelled as a striker primarily with Dynamo Kyiv, winning multiple major titles and the prestigious Ballon d'Or in 1986. He also had stints in Germany with Borussia Mönchengladbach and Eintracht Braunschweig. Belanov represented the Soviet Union at a World Cup and European Championship. His outstanding skills and contributions to football led to him being recognized as one of the top 100 World Cup footballers by The Guardian and as a legend of Ukrainian football.

Vyacheslav Senchenko is a Ukrainian former professional boxer known for his career spanning from 2002 to 2015. He achieved significant success during his time in the ring, notably holding the WBA welterweight title from 2009 to 2012. Senchenko's skill and determination made him a formidable competitor, earning him respect within the boxing community. Throughout his professional career, he showcased his talent and dedication, leaving a lasting impact on the sport of boxing.

Andrei Medvedev is a Ukrainian former professional tennis player who reached the final of the 1999 French Open and the semifinals in 1993. He won four Masters titles during his career and achieved a career-high ranking of world No. 4 in May 1994. Medvedev's success on the tennis court was characterized by his strong performances in major tournaments and his ability to compete at the highest levels of the sport.

Joel Bolomboy is a professional basketball player for Crvena zvezda in the Serbian KLS, Adriatic League, and EuroLeague. He gained recognition during his college career with the Weber State Wildcats, earning the title of Big Sky Conference Player of the Year in 2016. Bolomboy's transition to professional basketball saw him representing Russia after obtaining citizenship in 2018. Known for his skills on the court, Bolomboy continues to make an impact in the European basketball scene with his talent and dedication.

Artur Kyshenko is a Ukrainian middleweight kickboxer and former welterweight champion ranked #1 in the world by Combat Press. He is the 2015 Kunlun Fight 80 kg Tournament World Champion and K-1 World MAX 2008 Finalist. Known for his impressive career in kickboxing, Kyshenko transitioned into boxing in February 2020. However, his professional life faced a setback when he was suspended for 4 years by the National Anti-Doping Agency of France in July 2019 due to testing positive for prohibited substances.

Ivan Redkach is a Ukrainian professional boxer known for his skills in the ring. With a career spanning several years, Redkach has faced numerous opponents and showcased his talent in the sport. He has competed in various weight classes, demonstrating his versatility and determination as a boxer. Throughout his professional career, Redkach has earned a reputation for his speed, power, and strategic approach to fights. His performances have garnered attention from fans and critics alike, solidifying his presence in the boxing world.

Vitalii Mykolayovych Potapenko is a Ukrainian professional basketball coach and former player. He played in the NBA for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Seattle SuperSonics, and Sacramento Kings, as well as in the Spanish ACB league. After retiring as a player, Potapenko transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach for various teams including the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Indiana Pacers, Dakota Wizards, and Santa Cruz Warriors. He also worked as an assistant director of player development for the Cleveland Cavaliers, contributing to their first NBA championship.

Anna Zatonskih is a prominent Ukrainian American chess player known for her achievements as an International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM). With a successful career spanning international competitions, she has clinched the title of U.S. women's champion four times and has also been the Ukrainian women's champion. Zatonskih's strategic prowess and dedication to the game have earned her a reputation as a formidable force in the world of chess, inspiring aspiring players with her skill and accomplishments.

Jerome Randle is a former professional basketball player of American-Ukrainian descent. He began his career playing for the California Golden Bears in college, where he earned numerous accolades including Pac-10 Player of the Year. Randle then transitioned to playing professionally in Europe and Australia, notably winning a championship in Lithuania and being named the NBL's Most Valuable Player while with the Adelaide 36ers. Throughout his career, Randle showcased his talent and skill, leaving a lasting impact on the basketball world.

Eduard Gufeld was a prominent Soviet/American International Grandmaster of chess and a respected chess author. Throughout his professional life, he made significant contributions to the world of chess through his strategic gameplay and insightful writings. Gufeld's expertise and passion for the game were evident in his successful tournament performances and numerous publications, which continue to inspire and educate chess enthusiasts worldwide. His legacy as a talented player and prolific writer solidified his reputation as a key figure in the chess community.

Yevhen Oleksandrovych Seleznyov is a former Ukrainian professional footballer who achieved success during his career. He played for Shakhtar Donetsk in three different periods, winning the UEFA Cup in 2009 and securing a domestic double. Seleznyov was a top scorer in the league during his double-winning season and continued to excel at Dnipro. As a full international player since 2008, he earned over 50 caps for Ukraine and scored 11 international goals, representing his country at UEFA Euro 2012.

Viktor Ivanovich Chukarin was a highly accomplished Ukrainian gymnast who represented the Soviet Union. He achieved significant success throughout his career, winning a total of eleven medals, including seven gold medals, at the 1952 and 1956 Summer Olympics. Chukarin's exceptional performances also earned him the title of the all-around world champion in 1954. He was widely regarded as the most successful athlete at the 1952 Summer Olympics, solidifying his reputation as a dominant force in the world of gymnastics.

Sergiy Stakhovsky is a former Ukrainian tennis player who turned professional in 2003. He achieved career-high rankings of World No. 31 in singles and No. 33 in doubles. Stakhovsky won his first career title in 2008 as a lucky loser, defeating top seed Ivan Ljubičić. He is best known for defeating Roger Federer at the 2013 Wimbledon Championships, ending Federer's record run of 36 consecutive major quarterfinals. Stakhovsky retired from tennis in 2022 and joined the Ukrainian Army in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Tatiana Gutsu is a retired Ukrainian artistic gymnast who achieved fame for her exceptional skills and performances. She won the all-around title at the 1992 Summer Olympics and was known for executing extremely challenging routines. Gutsu's remarkable talent and dedication to the sport earned her a place in the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 2022, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest gymnasts of her time.

Issuf Vladlen Sanon is a Ukrainian professional basketball player known for his skills as a combo guard. He currently plays for VEF Rīga in the Latvian-Estonian Basketball League. Sanon has represented Ukraine at the under-18 national team level, showcasing his talent and potential. He started his career with the Ukrainian club Dnipro, where he stood out as one of the top players on the reserve team. With his height and versatile playing style, Sanon continues to make a name for himself in the basketball world.

Tatiana Felixivna Lysenko is a former Soviet and Ukrainian gymnast who competed at a senior level from 1990 to 1994. She was a prominent member of the Soviet Union gymnastics team in the early 1990s, a period marked by the team's dominance in the Olympic Games. Lysenko achieved great success during her career, notably winning the Olympic gold medal in the balance beam event in 1992. Her professional life is characterized by her contributions to the sport and her impressive achievements on the international stage.

Yana Shemyakina is a highly accomplished Ukrainian right-handed épée fencer, known for her exceptional skill and achievements in the sport. She has represented her country in three consecutive Olympic Games, showcasing her talent on the global stage. Shemyakina's standout moment came in 2012 when she secured the individual Olympic championship. Her consistent presence and success at top-level competitions have solidified her reputation as a top-tier fencer, inspiring aspiring athletes and earning admiration from fans worldwide.

Tamara Natanovna Press was a renowned Soviet athlete known for her dominance in shot put and discus throw during the early 1960s. She achieved great success by winning multiple gold and silver medals at the Olympics and European championships. Throughout her career, Press set numerous world records in both shot put and discus, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. Her impressive collection of national titles further solidified her legacy as one of the most accomplished athletes in her field.