Zhan Beleniuk, Ukraine's first black member of parliament and a gold medalist in greco-roman wrestling at the Tokyo Olympics, shared his thoughts on potentially competing against Russian athletes at the upcoming Paris 2024 Games. Beleniuk emphasized the profound responsibility Ukrainian athletes would bear if they were to face Russian competitors, underlining the added significance due to the ongoing conflict between the two nations. However, he expressed a primary focus on his preparation, leaving the decision to compete against Russian and Belarusian opponents for the competition day.

Having witnessed the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Beleniuk highlighted the resilience of the Ukrainian sports community during the conflict. Despite the loss of around 400 national-standard athletes in the war, Beleniuk remarked on the importance of continuing sports in the country as a form of unity and resilience. He expressed his disbelief at the International Olympic Committee's decision to permit Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete this summer, citing the emotional challenges of potentially facing such competitors on the mat at Paris 2024.

While addressing the guidance from the Ukrainian National Olympic Committee regarding interactions with Russian and Belarusian competitors, Beleniuk supported the notion of refraining from shaking hands with athletes who did not speak out against the Ukraine war. He underscored the patriotic responsibility of Ukrainian athletes to represent their country with pride and honor at the upcoming Olympic Games, focusing on achieving personal and national success.

The discussion surrounding Beleniuk's stance on competing against Russian athletes sparked a series of social media comments, ranging from concerns about potential provocations to debates on sportsmanship and diplomatic gestures within the realm of competitive sports. Amidst varying opinions within the online community, Beleniuk's unwavering commitment to giving his all on the mat while standing firmly against actions that contradict his values and beliefs resonated with many supporters.

As Paris 2024 approaches, the anticipation builds for Zhan Beleniuk and other Ukrainian athletes as they prepare to represent their nation on the Olympic stage, embodying resilience, patriotism, and sportsmanship in the face of challenging circumstances.