The tragic loss of Ukrainian Olympian Oleksandr Pielieshenko during the ongoing conflict with Russia has deeply affected the sports community. Pielieshenko, a two-time European weightlifting champion and former Olympian, made the ultimate sacrifice while defending his country.
As news of his death spread, efforts to support his family have emerged through fundraisers and tributes. In this article, we explore the initiatives aimed at honoring Pielieshenko’s memory and providing assistance to his grieving wife.
Oleksandr Pielieshenko represented Ukraine in weightlifting at the 2016 Rio Olympics, competing in the 85kg light-heavyweight category. His dedication to the sport and his country led him to join the ranks of the Armed Forces during the full-scale invasion by Russia in February 2022. Despite facing personal challenges, including a ban for failing a drug test in 2018, Pielieshenko remained committed to his nation’s cause.
Here’s How You Can Help Oleksandr Pielieshenko’s Family
A crowdfunding and fundraising platform called GoFundMe came out in support of Oleksandr Pielieshenko’s Family. Anyone willing to donate can visit their official website and do so. One of the representatives of the NGO explained the details of the Fundraiser in an official statement-
She Continued “I was always a big fan of his weightlifting career, so I was incredibly saddened to hear of his passing. Oleksandr was the same age as me. I can not imagine how my family would feel if I died serving my country. All of the fundraising proceeds will go DIRECTLY to his wife Diana. please help if you can. Thank you.”
