**Ukrainian Teen Who Saved Lives in Sumy Attack Wins Silver at European Wrestling Championships**
Kyrylo Ilyashenko, a 13-year-old boy from Sumy, Ukraine, has made headlines again – this time for his incredible achievement in the world of sports. Just weeks after undergoing surgery for injuries he sustained during a Russian attack on April 13, Kyrylo won a silver medal at the European Beach Wrestling Championships in Poreč, Croatia.
**From Hero to Athlete**
It’s hard to believe that just a few months ago, Kyrylo was fighting for his life. On April 13, while traveling with his mother on a bus in Sumy, they were caught in a Russian missile attack. The bus caught fire, and its doors were stuck. But Kyrylo managed to escape and helped others get out of the burning vehicle. Among those he saved were relatives of his classmates. Unfortunately, most people on the bus died, including the driver, with 35 people losing their lives that day.
**Recovery and Redemption**
Despite the severity of his injuries – doctors later found three pieces of shrapnel in his head – Kyrylo made a remarkable recovery. His father and coach, Oleksii Ilyashenko, prepared a special training plan for him after he started exercising again shortly after surgery. “Given his condition, the physical load increased gradually,” Maryna Ilyashenko, Kyrylo’s mother, said.
And it paid off! At just 13 years old, Kyrylo competed in the European Beach Wrestling Championships and took home a silver medal. His achievement is all the more impressive considering he was still recovering from his injuries.
**Pride of Ukraine**
Kyrylo’s achievement has made him an inspiration to many in Ukraine. Sumy Oblast Governor Oleh Hryhorov called him “the pride of Sumy region.” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy even awarded the 13-year-old teen a new state honor – the “Future of Ukraine” badge.
**A New Chapter**
Kyrylo’s victory is not just about his individual achievement but also about the resilience and determination of Ukrainian youth. In these difficult times, it’s heartening to see young people like Kyrylo finding success in sports while also making a difference in their communities.
As Artem Kobzar, acting mayor of Sumy, said, “Kyrylo stepped onto the sand – not as a war victim, but as a real wrestler. And he took the silver medal.” This is indeed a story to tell and inspire others.
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