Ivan Litvinovich and Viyaleta Bardzilouskaya from Belarus made history at the Paris Olympics by winning the first medals as neutral athletes. Litvinovich, 23 years old, successfully defended his gold title from Tokyo in the men’s trampoline final, while Bardzilouskaya secured a silver medal in the women’s event. Litvinovich’s final score of 63.090 put him ahead of the silver and bronze medalists from China, Wang Zisai and Yan Langyu.
Both Litvinovich and Bardzilouskaya are part of the 17 Belarusians competing as neutral athletes due to Russia and Belarus being barred from team sports at the Paris Games because of the war in Ukraine. Litvinovich expressed his desire to compete under his country’s flag and national anthem at future Games. Despite the victory, he was a bit nervous in front of the lively Parisian crowd.
Bardzilouskaya’s unexpected triumph was a pleasant surprise, with her score just behind the gold medalist Bryony Page from Britain. She focused on improving her performance and correcting mistakes during the competition. Bardzilouskaya faced challenges after the war with Ukraine led to sanctions by the International Gymnastics Federation, causing her to miss international competitions for two years.
While both athletes did not dwell on the war during their wins, they expressed their hopes of representing their countries in the future. Litvinovich, a two-time world champion, showcased his skills and composure, while Bardzilouskaya’s dedication and hard work paid off with a silver medal. The AIN team, though small, showed resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Despite not being able to participate in the opening ceremony parade, Bardzilouskaya felt supported by her coach and the team. She highlighted the importance of her coach’s guidance and training in helping her achieve success. While the road to the Olympics was challenging, both Litvinovich and Bardzilouskaya’s achievements exemplify the spirit of determination and perseverance in sports.