While defending Mariupol, athlete Maxym Malkov was killed.
From the first days of the war, he joined the city’s defense despite having no conscription or military training experience.
In May 2022, he was injured in an explosion, and later his name appeared on the list of those killed at Azovstal.
He was only 20 years old and practiced maritime pentathlon, representing the Donetsk region. His chest was adorned with medals from Ukrainian championships and international competitions.
Posthumously, he was awarded the Order of Courage, Third Class, on May 24, 2022.
Before the war, he was set to receive the title of Master of Sports of Ukraine, but he did not live to see it.
On September 26, 2022, the head of the Department of Physical Education and Sports of the Donetsk Regional State Administration, Volodymyr Mytsyk, presented the “Master of Sports of Ukraine in Maritime Pentathlon” certificate in the name of Maxym Malkov. The certificate was received by the late hero’s friend, the president of the regional federation of maritime pentathlon, Dmytro Stepnov.
“I am honored to receive the ‘Master of Sports of Ukraine’ certificate for my teammate Maxym Malkov. This title was very important to him, and he received it posthumously. I want everyone to share in the immense gratitude that fills me. This young man gave his life for us, for our Ukraine, for our Mariupol, voluntarily joining the defenders right after February 24. He is forever at Azovstal. We are eternally indebted to him, but I don’t think he would want us to pity him. He was a true warrior and a maritime wolf, one of the bravest people I have ever known! After our victory, we will definitely organize amazing competitions in your honor, and we will be grateful to you for the rest of our lives! There are no former masters of sports! Glory to the hero!” said Dmytro Stepnov.