Ukraine Fails to Avoid Demotion in European Team Athletics Championships Despite Maguchikh’s Victory
The remarkable victory of Ukrainian high jumper Yaroslava Mahuchikh at the European Athletics Championships in the high jump event could not prevent the national team from relegation to a lower division at the conclusion of the 2025 European Athletics Team Championships held in Madrid, Spain, on June 29. Ukraine finished in 14th place out of 16 competing nations, unable to secure a spot in the top tier, losing out to Hungary, which finished 13th and secured its position in the elite division. The championship was ultimately claimed by the Polish national team, demonstrating consistent performance and team strength throughout the event. The Ukrainian squad's top scorers included Mahuchikh, who took first place in the high jump; Mikhail Kochan, who won gold in shot put; Oleksandr Pohorilko, who finished second in the 400 meters; Vladyslav Shepelyev, who earned third in the triple jump; and Artur Felfner, who finished second in javelin throw. It’s important to highlight that Ukraine only recently returned to the top division after a season’s absence, and this relegation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Ukrainian athletics in maintaining their elite status. Prior to this, Ukrainian athlete Mahuchikh celebrated a significant victory at a prestigious tournament in Japan, adding a positive note to the overall performance of Ukrainian athletics.