Ukrainian High Jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh Recalls Controversial Photo with Russian at Olympics, Considers Retirement

Mahuchikh: 'I wanted to scream and cry' after photo with Lasitskene

Ukrainian high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh has revealed that she considered retiring from the sport after coming under fire for taking a photo with Russian rival Mariya Lasitskene at the Tokyo Olympics.

The photo, which was widely shared on social media, showed Mahuchikh and Lasitskene embracing after the high jump final. Lasitskene, who won gold, was representing the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) at the Games due to Russia's ban from international competition for state-sponsored doping.

Mahuchikh has since apologized for taking the photo, saying she was "naive" and "regrets" her decision. She has also been criticized by some Ukrainians, who believe she should not have posed with a Russian athlete given the ongoing conflict between the two countries.

Mahuchikh's future in doubt

In an interview with the Ukrainian news outlet Tribuna, Mahuchikh said she considered retiring from the sport after the backlash she received.

"I wanted to scream and cry," Mahuchikh said. "I thought, 'Why am I doing this? I want to go home and quit everything.'"

Mahuchikh said she has since decided to continue competing, but she is still struggling to deal with the controversy.

"I am trying to stay strong, but it is not easy," Mahuchikh said. "I am trying to focus on my training and my goals, but it is hard when I am constantly being reminded of what happened."

Background on the conflict between Ukraine and Russia

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia began in 2014, when Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula and backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. The conflict has led to the deaths of more than 13,000 people and the displacement of over 1 million.

The conflict has also strained relations between Ukraine and Russia, and has led to a number of sporting boycotts and bans.

Conclusion

Yaroslava Mahuchikh is one of the most promising young high jumpers in the world. However, her career has been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding her photo with Mariya Lasitskene. It remains to be seen how Mahuchikh will deal with the controversy and whether she will be able to continue competing at the highest level.