Rhythmic gymnast wins Ukraine’s first gold medal in 18 years at the European Championships

Viktoriia Onopriienko, a 19-year-old from Kyiv, outperformed all her rivals to win the hoop competition at the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan.

For her performance to “Carmen,” she scored a winning 33.250, 0.65 points ahead of silver medalist Adi Asya Katz of Israel, the National Olympic Committee (NOC) reports.

“I am sincerely proud to have won a gold medal for my country. This achievement has become my great pride and motivation for further efforts. It was difficult, but every step was worthwhile. I feel delighted and grateful for this opportunity to represent my country internationally. This experience will forever remain in my heart,” Victoriia wrote on her Instagram after the victory. “And also forever in my heart will remain the awareness and memory of the terrible price, thanks to which every Ukrainian can live, work and create today. Let us remember this price every day! Thank you to our Heroes who allow us to continue creating!  We will stand, we will overcome, we will win! Glory to Ukraine and its Heroes!”

Victoriia’s gold medal in the Azerbaijani capital was Ukraine’s first medal of the highest level in individual exercises at the European Championships in the last 18 years.