Ukrainian Romanchuk jumps for her whole country: "Want to live without Russia"

Created: 08/17/2022Updated: 08/17/2022 21:06

By: Nico-Marius Schmitz

Beacon of hope: Maryna Bech-Romantschuk © Photo: Imago

Maryna Bech-Romantschuk experienced the joy of the people in Munich.

War is still raging in her homeland, Ukraine.

The 27-year-old spoke to Merkur about contact with her family and hope for a better future.

Munich – Maryna Bech-Romantschuk is currently torn between two worlds.

Here in Munich, where she is considered Malaika Mihambo's worst competitor in tomorrow's long jump final (8:48 p.m. / ARD), everyone is in a good mood, she is celebrated.

“I like jumping in Germany.

," Romantschuk told our newspaper.

Previously, she had easily reached the final in the triple jump.

In their homeland, Ukraine, Russia's war of aggression continues.

The 27-year-old initially wanted to stay in Ukraine as a volunteer.

Eventually she fled to Italy to train there and be an ambassador for her country.

The athlete has been living out of two bags for months, always on the move, constantly having to find new ways to train.

There is no longer a base.

"It's a tough time for all Ukrainian athletes.

You do competitive sports, but you worry about your country, your family, your friends every day.”

Romanchuk calls her family almost every day, she only tries to clear her head before competitions.

Rocket alarms can be heard in the background when she talks to her mother.

When she sees the news about new explosions from Ukraine, she immediately calls: Mom, are you okay?

Romantschuk has now been separated from her home, her family and her bed for five months.

When is it going back?

"As quickly as possible.

We are such a beautiful and free country.

And we are strong.

I hope we win quickly," she says. "We just want to live without Russia, it's a terrorist state." Her husband, Mykhailo Romanchuk, trains with Florian Wellbrock in Germany.

He recently became European champion in the 1500 m freestyle in Rome.

Will Maryna follow suit on Thursday?

The two get along well.

When the war began, Germany's Olympic champion inquired about Romanchuk's well-being.

"I am connected to her beyond the sporting side, even during this time," says Mihambo.

"Malaika is so nice.

I like talking to her and being around her.

We've become really good friends," says the Ukrainian.

In qualifying, she achieved the best distance of 6.87 meters behind Mihambo (6.99).

But for Romanchuk, Munich is about much more than just medals.

She wants to give hope to her country: "I have to jump far.

By Nico Marius Schmitz