Dariya Derkach, European gold and the long wait for citizenship: I've always wanted only Italy, the Mameli anthem always moves me

Dariya Derkach, 33-year-old Ukrainian-born Italian athlete, claimed gold in the triple jump at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, marking the first such victory by an Italian woman in the discipline. The win came after years of struggle with Achilles tendon injuries and a long wait for Italian citizenship, which she finally obtained after 11 years in the country. Born in Vinnytsia, Ukraine, Derkach arrived in Italy at age nine, settling initially in Sant’Egidio del Monte Albano, near Salerno, before moving to Formia. Her journey has been one of resilience, integration, and deep emotional ties to her new home. Derkch’s path to success began early, influenced by her parents, her mother, Oksana, a former triple jumper, and her father, Serhij, who was also an athlete. From childhood, she followed their footsteps, eventually becoming part of the Italian military athletics team. Despite facing repeated surgeries on her Achilles tendons over the past several years, she continued training, often in pain, until she could compete without discomfort. At the European Championships, she achieved a personal best of 14.60 meters, securing the top spot ahead of Belgium’s Saliyya Guisse and Bulgaria’s Aleksandra Nacheva. Her performance was celebrated as a historic moment for Italian athletics. The emotional weight of her achievement was underscored by her heartfelt reaction during the medal ceremony. Derkach sang the Italian national anthem, Fratelli d'Italia, visibly moved, describing how the song always deeply affects her. She spoke of growing up in Italy, eating pizza and mozzarella, and feeling at home despite initial challenges. She recalled being teased as a child for coming from a distant country but finding friendship and support through sports. Her first experience of belonging came when she won a race at school, leading to acceptance among classmates. This early connection to Italian culture and community helped shape her identity. Derkach’s relationship with her homeland, Ukraine, remains complex. One of her paternal uncles still lives in Kyiv under bombardment, while his wife and daughter have relocated to England. Derkach has returned to Ukraine only once in 24 years, for passport renewal, highlighting the war’s impact on family ties. Despite this, she has chosen to remain in Italy, where she feels rooted and supported. She emphasized that her decision to stay was not just practical but deeply personal, driven by a sense of belonging and a desire to build a future here. Her pursuit of Italian citizenship was a long process, reflecting both legal hurdles and personal commitment. After nearly a decade in the country, she finally became a citizen, a milestone she described as a culmination of her life’s work. She noted that changing nationality would have made little sense given her deep integration into Italian society. For her, the country is more than a place, it is a second home, a place where she grew up, found friends, and built her career. Looking forward, Derkach expressed satisfaction with her current form and optimism about future competitions. She highlighted the importance of perseverance, noting that even after multiple operations, she remained determined to continue competing. Her story serves as an example of how dedication, resilience, and cultural adaptation can lead to extraordinary achievements. As she prepares for upcoming events, including the 2025 season, her focus remains on pushing boundaries and representing Italy with pride.