Ukrainian Track and Field Athletes Near World Medal Moments: Steps Toward Victory and Setbacks at the 2025 World Championships
At the global stage of athletics, Ukrainian athletes once again demonstrated exceptional skill and perseverance, coming closer than ever to securing prestigious medals.
Tuesday, September 16, became a defining day for the Ukrainian national team at the 2025 World Championships in Budapest, where our athletes competed in two of the most prestigious finals.
Oleg Doroshchuk, a star in Ukraine’s high jump squad, contended for the gold medal, clearing a height of 2.31 meters and showcasing incredible resilience throughout the event.
Although he narrowly missed victory, he secured fourth place, trailing behind Italian athlete Jan Stefanou who took third.
The gold medal went to New Zealander Hamish Kerr with a jump of 2.36 meters, while South Korean U San Hyeok finished second with 2.34 meters.
This was Doroshchuk’s second world championship final in his career; his previous performance in Budapest saw him finish 13th.
His achievements extend beyond this; the 24-year-old is a bronze medalist at the European Championships 2024 and the European Indoor Champion of 2025.
Another prominent Ukrainian athlete, Mikhail Kohan, made a significant leap in the hammer throw.
In the final, he managed to set a personal best — 82.02 meters — during his fifth attempt.
Although this result placed him fourth, it was a remarkable achievement considering the competition’s high level this year.
The world champion in this event is Canadian Ethan Catsberg with a throw of 84.70 meters; the top three also included German Merlin Hummell (82.77 meters) and Hungarian Bence Halas (82.69 meters).
Notably, Kohan’s results could have secured him victory in eight previous World Championships, but this year’s rivals demonstrated even greater strength.
At only 24 years old, Kohan remains one of Ukraine’s most successful athletes, already having secured bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2024 European Championships.
The 2025 World Championships are held in Tokyo, Japan’s capital, underscoring the significance of this international sporting event.
The exciting world of athletics continues to captivate fans worldwide, with Ukrainian athletes striving for top results and transforming their country into a formidable contender on the global stage.
Ukrainians are encouraged to persevere and aim even higher, for their talents can leave an indelible mark in sports history.