Master’s student of USUST Yaroslava Mahuchikh receives the ‘National Legend of Ukraine’ award

Yaroslava Mahuchikh, a first-year Master’s student of the SEI ‘Prydniprovska State Academy of Physical Culture and Sports’ of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies, Olympic champion and world record holder, has been awarded the honorary state distinction ‘National Legend of Ukraine’.

 

The award was presented to the athlete by Olena Kovalska, deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, on behalf of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on  December 8, 2025, during the 42nd General Assembly of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine.

 

Yaroslava shared the news about the award on social media, posting a photo and her personal reflections. For her, this distinction is not only recognition of her sporting achievements, but also a symbol that perseverance and love for one’s country can attain any heights.

 

Over recent years, Yaroslava has consistently demonstrated an exceptionally high level of professional excellence and resilience. The year 2024 became a landmark in her career: the athlete set a new world record in the high jump at 2.10 m, a record that had stood for almost four decades, and later went on to win Olympic gold in Paris.

 

In addition to her sporting achievements, Yaroslava is actively involved in charitable activities. After the Olympic Games, she made her largest personal donation of UAH 1 million in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and also provides assistance to volunteer organizations and foundations that care for animals.

 

The ‘National Legend of Ukraine’ award was established by the President of Ukraine in 2021 and is presented to outstanding Ukrainians who have made a significant contribution to the development of the state in sports, culture, medicine, science, public service, or national defense. In different years, the award has been awarded to such prominent figures as Oleh Blokhin, Andriy Shevchenko, Olha Kharlan, Oleksandr Usyk, and other distinguished individuals.

 

USUST is proud of the achievements of its student and sincerely congratulates Yaroslava on this high state honor. We wish her new records, resounding victories, and inspiration on her path to new achievements, both in sport and in life.