I came to Croatia and conquered Europe! I wasn't born here, and people treat me better than in Ukraine

A 23-year-old Ukrainian gymnast named Ilja Kovtun has made history by winning two gold medals at the European Championships in Zagreb under the Croatian flag. Kovtun secured his first title in the all-around competition and followed it with another victory in the parallel bars event on Saturday. His success marks a significant shift in international sports, as he becomes one of the top European gymnasts competing under a new national identity after fleeing war-torn Ukraine. Kovtun's journey to Croatia began in 2022 when Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. At the time, Vladimir Mađarević, president of the Technical Committee of the Croatian Gymnastics Association (HGS) and currently Croatia’s head coach, extended an invitation to Ukrainian gymnasts to train at the Sokol Center in Osijek. The center was described as world-class, offering ideal conditions for training, accommodation, and nutrition. Kovtun and his coach, Iryna Nadzhuk Gorbatova, were among those who accepted the offer and decided to stay permanently rather than return home after their initial two-month visit. According to Kovtun, the transition was challenging at first. He initially planned to remain in Ukraine for only a couple of weeks before returning for competitions, but the conflict forced him into prolonged stays abroad. After three months in Italy, he arrived in Osijek, where he remained for several months alongside other Ukrainian athletes. Following the World Championships in Liverpool, many of his teammates left, but Kovtun and his coach stayed behind, encouraged by Mađarević’s assurance that they could remain in Croatia until the war ended. Over the past three years, Kovtun has lived in Osijek, traveling internationally for major competitions while continuing to train in Croatia. Despite still competing under the Ukrainian flag during the Paris Olympics in 2024, he was welcomed back by Croatian athletes and officials upon his return. A surgery in Vukovar further solidified his trust in Croatia, leading him to consider switching allegiances. In early 2025, Kovtun formally requested Croatian citizenship and expressed his willingness to compete for Croatia. The HGS responded swiftly, approving his request and initiating the necessary procedures through relevant authorities. Mađarević explained that Kovtun had learned the Croatian language, formed personal ties in Osijek, and was embraced by the local sports community. After three years of living, training, and integrating into Croatian society, it was deemed logical for him to pursue citizenship. The decision to support Kovtun came after careful consideration by the HGS executive board. They believed his addition would strengthen Croatia’s gymnastics program without displacing existing athletes. Kovtun’s unique background and achievements were viewed as complementary to the team’s narrative, adding depth and diversity to the national story. Kovtun’s path to Croatian citizenship was not immediate. Initially, he hesitated, describing the process as gradual, much like snow rolling down a mountain, starting small and building up over time. It wasn’t until after the Paris Olympics that he finally committed to seeking citizenship. This decision was influenced by his experiences in Croatia, including the support he received from both the athletic community and the broader public. Croatian officials emphasized that Kovtun’s integration into the country was seamless. His fluency in the language, personal relationships, and acceptance by locals were key factors in his eligibility for citizenship. The HGS noted that his presence would not diminish the contributions of current athletes but instead enhance the overall strength of the team. As Kovtun competes under the Croatian flag, his story reflects the broader theme of displacement and adaptation faced by many Ukrainians since the start of the war. His success in Zagreb highlights the potential for athletes to rebuild their careers in new environments while contributing to the sporting legacy of host nations. With two gold medals already in hand, Kovtun is poised to become a prominent figure in European gymnastics, representing a nation that has offered him refuge and opportunity.