Ukrainian world-record-holding high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh has strongly criticized international sports federations for allowing Russian athletes to return to global competitions while Russia’s war against Ukraine persists. In comments reported by Finnish newspaper Iltalehti, Mahuchikh described the decision to readmit Russians as “madness,” emphasizing that nothing has changed regarding the conflict.
Mahuchikh explained that Ukrainian athletes are still unable to live, train, or compete normally in their own country due to ongoing attacks. She noted that she is forced to live far away from her family and friends, while Ukrainian cities—including her hometown of Dnipro and the capital, Kyiv—continue to face daily strikes and violence.
The criticism comes as several international sports organizations adjust their stances on Russian participation. In July, the International Olympic Committee stated that previous restrictive recommendations were no longer applicable and provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee. Consequently, bodies such as the International Volleyball Federation and international handball authorities have begun reintegrating Russian and Belarusian athletes and teams into international tournaments.
In contrast, World Athletics has maintained a strict ban, reaffirming that Russian and Belarusian athletes, officials, and support personnel remain excluded from its international competitions due to the invasion. Although Russia challenged these restrictions at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe confirmed in September that the organization’s position remains unchanged.
Mahuchikh recently continued her athletic success by winning the women’s high jump at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.
