Ukrainian athletics champion Roman Havryliuk was killed by the Russian occupiers.
He was born in the village of Krasnopillia, Sumy region. After school, he entered Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, Faculty of Physical Culture and Sports. Roman chose this area of higher education because he loved sports, particularly athletics. He became the champion of Ukraine in the 100 km race and won many amateur races.
Later, Roman moved to Lutsk, where he began his coaching career. He worked for the Triathlon Federation of Ukraine and was a permanent coach of the “Dmytruk Luchesk Half Marathon” throughout all its years.
His athletes say that Roman literally created a running community in the city, made them fall in love with athletics from the first training session and helped them get in with sport. He always had advice, knew how to encourage, and taught everyone to run for fun. When someone said Romchik, everyone immediately understood who they were talking about. That’s how he was known in the sports community. Because of his sincerity and openness to people.
Unfortunately, the war ruthlessly destroys the lives of Ukrainians and deprives many of the most precious thing – life. Roman Havryliuk defended Ukraine from Russian invaders, and was killed on 17 May 2024…
In the summer, he was supposed to celebrate his 41st birthday with his family – alongside his beloved wife and two daughters…