Olympic medalist Maryna Litvinchuk calls time on her career

MINSK, 24 March (BelTA) – Celebrated Belarusian canoeist Maryna Litvinchuk announced her retirement from sports at the General Assembly of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus on 24 March, BelTA has learned.

Maryna Litvinchuk is a silver medalist (2020) and a two-time bronze medalist (2012, 2016) at the Olympic Games in the women’s K-4 500-meter event. The 38-year-old athlete is also a six-time world champion, a seven-time European champion, and a four-time winner of the European Games.

“I made this decision with a sense of having fulfilled my duty. I thought about it for many days, discussed it with my family, and we came to the conclusion that it was time to stop. It’s very hard to say goodbye when you have spent so much time in your sports family. Everything eventually comes to an end, but at the same time, new doors open. Life goes on, and you have to keep moving forward and not lose heart,” Maryna Litvinchuk said. “I want to thank the president, who supports sports at every level, from youth to veterans. My gratitude goes to the NOC, whose work inspires us to believe and strive for new victories. The way they care for athletes here is invaluable. Big thanks to my family, the fans, the federation, and everyone who was by my side. It was a long and difficult journey.”

Maryna Litvinchuk received the NOC’s Honorary Badge for her contributions to the development of the Olympic Movement in the Republic of Belarus at the National Olympic Committee’s General Assembly.