Lyudmila Radchenko, a prominent Ukrainian sports journalist and former Olympic athlete, passed away at the age of 95. The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine announced her death, remembering her for her lifelong dedication and contributions to both competitive sports and sports journalism.
Radchenko’s athletic career centered on track and field, specifically the long jump. After initially practicing artistic gymnastics during her school years, she transitioned to jumping disciplines and achieved significant success. She became a champion of the USSR and Ukraine, and represented her country on the international stage. A major milestone in her athletic career occurred at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, where she placed fifth in the long jump with a mark of 6.16 meters.
Following her retirement from active competition, Radchenko earned a journalism degree and embarked on a distinguished media career. She spent over 40 years working at *Sportivna Gazeta*, covering athletic competitions, the successes of Ukrainian athletes and coaches, and the broader development of various sports. Her background as an elite competitor provided her with a deep, firsthand understanding of the athletic world and the complexities of training and competition.
In addition to her work at *Sportivna Gazeta*, Radchenko played a key role in founding the specialized magazine *Track and Field* in independent Ukraine during the 1990s, serving as its editor to support the professional sports press. Her administrative and civic contributions included serving on the presidium of the Athletics Federation of Ukraine and participating in the work of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine during its first two terms.
In recognition of her extensive service, Radchenko was named an Honored Worker of Physical Culture and Sports of Ukraine and received the Order of Princess Olga, Third Class. The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine extended its condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues, noting that her professionalism, dedication, and love for sports will be long remembered by the Ukrainian sports community.
