Young biathletes show resilience at Chernigiv Championship honouring Olympic medallist

In the shadow of destruction but with undiminished determination, young athletes gathered in Chernigiv on 7 February for the Chernigiv Biathlon Championship held in honour of Ukrainian Olympic bronze medallist Valentyna Tserbe-Nesina.

The competition took place against the poignant backdrop of the destroyed biathlon centre - a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the region. Yet despite these difficulties, the spirit of the event was one of perseverance and hope. Coaches, families and athletes came together to prove that sport in Chernigiv continues not only to survive, but to thrive.

The championship featured a sprint format, with individual starts every 30 seconds. Competitors skied the designated distances before arriving at the shooting range, where they completed two prone shootings. Each missed shot resulted in a 10-second time penalty, adding intensity and precision to the contest.

Young biathletes competed across several age categories:

• Boys and girls born in 2015 and younger – 1.5 km

• Boys born in 2013–2014 – 3 km

• Girls born in 2013–2014 – 2.5 km

• Boys born in 2011–2012 – 4.8 km

• Girls born in 2011–2012 – 3.7 km

The presence of Valentyna Tserbe-Nesina, bronze medallist at the Olympic Games, brought particular inspiration to the day. She personally supported the young competitors, sharing stories from her Olympic journey and offering insight into the dedication and resilience required to reach the highest level of professional sport. Her words resonated deeply with athletes and spectators alike.

Through her participation, organisers sought not only to celebrate local sporting talent but also to send a powerful message of encouragement and solidarity to Ukrainian athletes currently competing at the Olympic Winter Games 2026.

The championship was organised under the leadership of coach Zhanna Zots and her son Serhiy Zots, with active support from former biathlete and President of the Chernigiv Regional Federation, Nina Lemesh. Their continued commitment ensures that biathlon remains a source of strength, unity and ambition for young people in the region.