Ukrainian Paralympian Yevhen Bohodayko is reportedly set to auction off the gold medal he won at the Tokyo 2020 Games in order to raise funds for the armed forces in his homeland amid the Russian invasion.
Violence continues to plague eastern Europe and people from around the world are trying to raise funds to support the Ukrainian defence effort amid the war. And Bohodayko is the latest sportsperson looking to raise money to help Ukraine.
The 27-year-old secured gold in the 100m breaststroke SB6 18 months ago, and the accolade will now command a sizeable figure to benefit the military, according to Zorya Londonsk. The Ukrainian outlet also reported that Bohodayko will volunteer with his local non-combat unit.
Bohodayko will reportedly help collect and deliver aid and medication in his home city of Poltava. The Paralympic champion will also be partially responsible for transferring various products from warehouses to the army.
In a recent emotional interview with Vogue Ukraine , Bohodayko revealed he wanted to help his country and defend Ukraine from Russia. He said: "I respect that the athletes are raising their hats for the Ukrainians. Nobody can sit with their hands clasped."
He added: "Now, at such a folding hour for our country, we are becoming stronger. We are a nation, a tougher nation! Victory is upon us! Everything will be good. If you need help, get involved."
Bohodayko surged to fame at the 2012 London Paralympics where he won two golds in the 100m SB6 breaststroke and 200 individual medley SM7. He also claimed Ukraine’s first goal medal at the Rio Paralympics in 2016 - where he triumphed in the 100m backstroke S7 event. He has won nine Paralympic medals overall, including three silvers and two bronzes.
The news of Bohodayko's charitable actions comes as Vladimir Putin's invasion is stalling, with the Russian troop death toll now believed to be 17,000. The UK's Ministry of Defence claimed on Monday that there has been 'no significant change to Russian forces' dispositions' in the country' over the last 24 hours.
The British government department also praised the 'aggressive fighting by the Ukrainians' as the Russians are hamstrung by 'logistical shortages' and a 'lack of momentum'. Furthermore, Kyiv's ministry of defence declared Russia had to withdraw units based around the the capital after they suffered heavy losses.
