Traditional Christmas and New Year’s Relays at USUST
The traditional Christmas and New Year’s relays, held on December 20-21, 2024, at the athletics arena of the SEI “Prydniprovska Academy of Physical Culture and Sports” of Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies, became a vibrant conclusion to the sporting year.
The year 2024 marked one of the most successful in the history of athletics in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Athlete Yaroslava Mahuchikh secured a gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games, setting a world record in high jump at 2.10 meters, while Mykhailo Kokhanov won bronze in hammer throw. The head of the Regional Athletics Federation, Illia Baklinov, highlighted that these achievements serve as a crucial example for young athletes who continue to grow and prepare for future competitions, particularly the 2028 Olympics.
Professor Kostiantyn Sukhyi, Rector of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies, congratulated the participants and wished them further achievements, expressing hope that among the young athletes are future stars who will reach the level of such icons as USUST student Yaroslava Mahuchikh.
The event was also attended by Anna Ryzhykova, bronze medalist of the XXX Summer Olympic Games in London 2012 in the 4×400-meter relay. She, too, began her athletic journey with competitions like these. She emphasized that such events are vital for the younger generation as they foster motivation and help uncover new talents.
During the event, the best athletes and coaches of the region were recognized, including Yehor Lapa, silver medalist of the World Gymnasiade and bronze medalist of the Balkan Athletics Federations’ Championships in discus throw among boys and girls.
The festivities concluded with relay races featuring teams of boys and girls across four age categories, ranging from 5 to 16 years old. The winners and runners-up received diplomas, medals, and sweet treats from the organizers.
The Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies extends warm holiday greetings to all, wishing inspiration and new sports achievements in 2025!
Special thanks to Anatolii Shynkarenko and the DniproNews team for their professional coverage of the event.
