The war has claimed the life of yet another Ukrainian athlete who took up arms to resist the invaders. Defending Ukraine, Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr Ivanov, a graduate of the Dnipro judo school, was killed in action. He was 35 years old.
Oleksandr devoted nearly ten years of his life to judo. In the 2000s, he trained at Sports Youth School of Olympic Reserve No. 6 in Dnipro under the guidance of his coach, Oleksandr Oleksandrovych Lenkov. It was here that his sporting character was forged — endurance, discipline, perseverance, and the ability to keep moving forward after defeat.
Oleksandr competed on the tatami at city and regional championships and took part in national tournaments. During his years in judo, he followed a path on which success depended not only on physical strength and technique, but also on an athlete’s character. These qualities would later serve him in a different kind of struggle — the struggle to defend Ukraine.
In April 2022, Oleksandr Ivanov joined the defense of his country. He served with the 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Mstyslav the Brave and defended Ukraine on the front line.
The war claimed Oleksandr’s life in the Lyman sector. He will forever be 35.
The Judo Federation of Ukraine expressed its condolences to Oleksandr Ivanov’s family, loved ones, and fellow soldiers.
We bow our heads in gratitude to this warrior for his courage and for defending Ukraine.
Glory to the heroes.