Photo: Italian Gymnastics Federation
Ukrainian champion and Tokyo 2020 finalist Viktoriia Onopriienko has managed to escape the war in Ukraine and has found refuge in the Italian rhythmic gymnastics club „Armonia d’Abruzzo“, situated in the city of Chieti. In a post on its Facebook page, the Italian Gymnastics Federation (FGI) tells the story of how young gymnast from the club Elisa Dobrovolska’s mother Irina, along with coach and judge Claudia Simeoni traveled by plane to Budapest, then by car to the Hungarian-Slovak border, where they met up with Vika and accompanied her back to Italy. Armonia d’Abruzzo will be Onopriienko’s host for the foreseeable future, giving her the possibility to continue training and competing, quite literally „in peace“. The photo above was taken as she crosses the border on foot. The FGI also notes that a meeting with the press, the mayor of Pescara, coach Germana Germani, and the regional chairman of the federation is scheduled for tomorrow, where other tiny Ukrainian gymnasts, who’ve found shelter in „Armonia“ will be present. Along with that, Onopriienko is expected to also take part in the 3rd stage of the Serie A championships, which will take place this weekend (26.03).
