– It is so heartbreaking, Iuel began his speech to the two Ukrainians. – The fact that you have come here and the results and times you have had, it is absolutely fantastic, says a clearly marked Iuel. Tkatsjuk and Ryzjykova are in the world elite in the 400 meter hurdles and will on Thursday compete against Line Kloster and Amalie Iuel during the Bislett Games. But there was no sign that they were competitors at Wednesday’s press conference. When Amalie Iuel approached the Ukrainian runners, they could not hold back their tears. – Many European athletes send us messages with support and help, says Tkatsjuk who tells about several thousand messages. – There is a difference between European athletes. They have sent so many messages, Ryzhykova added. – The war is not over news met the Ukrainian hurdlers just after Iuel’s warm words. They still had tears in their eyes and said that they were very moved by the reactions from the sports world. – I really appreciate the support every single country has given us. We need this to continue our careers as Ukrainian practitioners. It is important that our lives are safe, Tkatsjuk says to news and continues: – Everything you have given us. Please do not stop. The war is not over and we have to fight and we need help. The Ukrainians say that the support they have received from Europeans has been unique. Tkatsjuk receives daily messages or messages from others, and says only a small question about how it goes is of great help. She says the first days after the outbreak of the war hit her hard, and that she struggled to move and to complete the training sessions. At the same time, messages flowed in via social media to both athletes. The vast majority supportive. – They wanted me dead But from the Russian side Ryzhykova claims that there have also been accusations of lies: – They wanted me dead and said I was guilty. They wanted the worst for my family. Tkatsukh claims this is reflected in the way they have been treated since the war in Ukraine broke out on February 24. CHARACTERISTICS: Ukrainian Viktorija Tkachuk and Anna Ryzhykova. Photo: Hanne Skjellum / news – When I meet European athletes, they ask me how I feel, if I need help and how I can help. When I meet Russian athletes, they ask me who paid for my training camp. They are not interested in our family, but in money, she says. Tkatsjuk says that she also understands that some people do not talk loudly about the war. – I received a message from a Russian athlete who attacked me. He said he could not speak or protest against the war. He is afraid of what the authorities may do. He is so scared that they will take his parents, says Tkatsjuk.
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