One of the world's most talented athletes earns the right to compete for Croatia: 'I feel at home'

Illia Kovtun, a young Ukrainian gymnast widely regarded as one of the world's most talented athletes, is now set to compete under the Croatian flag. Kovtun, a multiple European champion and an Olympic and World silver medalist, obtained Croatian citizenship a year ago and has since been training with the Osijek Žito Gymnastics Club. This club has provided him with a stable environment and excellent conditions for training, particularly after the onset of the war in his homeland.

Kovtun's successful integration into the Croatian sports scene is evident in his performance, including a silver medal on the rings at the Paris 2024 Olympics. He has also made significant efforts to adapt culturally, learning the Croatian language quickly. Despite his achievements, Ukraine's national federation did not grant him permission to switch national representation for the past year, placing him in a 'quarantine' period, which has now expired.

This transition is perfectly timed for Kovtun's debut with the Croatian national team at the European Men's and Women's Artistic Gymnastics Championships. The event is scheduled from August 13 to 23 in Zagreb's Arena, with Croatia hosting the championship for the first time in its history. This competition is set to be the largest gymnastics event ever held in Croatia, attracting 670 athletes from 44 countries, and is the biggest gymnastics gathering in Zagreb in four decades.

Born in Cherkasy, Ukraine, in 2003, Kovtun began gymnastics at the age of four and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent. His impressive collection of accolades includes eight medals from European Championships (four gold, one silver, three bronze) between 2021 and 2024, as well as a silver and a bronze from World Championships. His Olympic performance in Paris saw him reach finals in the all-around, floor exercise, and parallel bars, securing the silver medal on the rings. Notably, an element on the parallel bars is named "Kovtun" in his honor, a distinction awarded by the international gymnastics federation when he had just reached adulthood. He also holds a bachelor's degree in physical education and sports, with a specialization in coaching, and plans to continue his education in Osijek.