She now lives in Italy, but individual rhythmic gymnast Viktoriia Onopriienko has always lived in Ukraine. She was born on October 18, 2003 in Kiev and in 2022 she had to leave her homeland because of the armed conflict with Russia. She packed her dreams in her suitcase and who finished tenth in the individual final of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics is preparing to take her flag as far as possible in Paris 2024 and to dedicate the best possible result to her brother, who died in the war, and to her father, who is currently on the front line.
Viktoriia was champion of the Grand Prix Final in 2020 and bronze medalist at the 2022 World Games in the ribbon. In 2022, due to the war with Russia, Onopriienko had to leave her country and live – and train – in Italy. Despite the difficulties he managed to maintain his level, and as an example the mentioned bronze in the ribbon final at the Sofia World Cup, his first World Cup title in the ribbon final at the Pesaro World Cup or a fourth place in the individual all-around final at the 2022 World Championships.
Her success, talent and skill she cannot savor as she would like to outside of a sporting venue as her life has been marked by tragedy since the war began. Her older brother, Serhiy, died in June 2022 while fighting as a member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, for whom her father is currently serving.
A FAMILY TORN BETWEEN THE FRONT LINES AND PARIS 2024
This war and her very direct contact with her family has been a source of motivation and inspiration for Viktoriia in the last years of her sporting career. Her father’s commitment to his country has influenced her determination and dedication in rhythmic gymnastics, becoming for her an example of strength and resilience. Paris 2024 will prove just how strong this athlete is.
Viktoriia, who lives by her dreams, also has other kinds of aspirations for the future, where she hopes to live in opening her own restaurant. Viktoriia relaxes by cooking and wants to train so much that she will have her own business in time. For this she is not in a bad country, Italy, one of the richest in culinary terms.
