On December 6, 2024, a horrific Russian missile strike on Zaporizhzhia claimed the life of a young athlete, Kateryna Lysenko, who perished alongside her parents.
Katya was born on January 30, 2013. Three years ago, she first stepped through the doors of the “Volt” club to pursue cheerleading—a sport that became her passion. She was filled with dreams, plans, and faith in a bright future. Though Katya had not yet stood on the podium of world or national championships, she already envisioned herself among the winners.
The young girl dreamed of a peaceful, free Ukraine, of traveling the world, and of the moment when the Ukrainian anthem would play in her honor as our blue-and-yellow flag soared high in celebration of her victory.
Russian terrorists cruelly ended her life, crushing her dreams and shattering her future. Along with Katya, the hopes she carried in her heart were also destroyed.
We grieve deeply for Katya and join the call to the International and European Cheerleading Unions to expel Russia from their ranks. There is no place on the international sports stage for representatives of a country that destroys our children, our athletes, and our peaceful citizens!
Eternal memory to Kateryna Lysenko! Her name will forever live in our hearts as a symbol of a shattered dream and the unbreakable spirit of Ukraine.