GOMEL, 3 December (BelTA) – Athletes and trainees from Gomel Oblast, who became medalists at the 25th Summer Deaflympics that took place in Tokyo, Japan, on 15-26 November, were honored in their home city of Gomel on the Sozh River, BelTA has learned.
As noted during the ceremony, approximately 3,000 participants with hearing impairments from over 70 countries competed for victory. Belarusian athletes won 12 medals. Athletes and trainees from the southeastern region contributed 7 medals to Belarus’ tally: 2 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze.
International Class Master of Sport Hanna Suravets clinched second place in the high jump. “The competition was very interesting and exciting. I will never forget it. It took me a very long time to even comprehend that I had won a medal. It probably didn’t sink in until 2 or 3 days later,” she noted. “I am proud of Belarus. And I am very happy that I could bring a medal to our country. Thank you all for your support.”
“You competed during challenging political times. You did so with bravery and a deep sense of duty towards your country and your region,” Gomel Oblast Governor Ivan Krupko emphasized. He pointed out that Aksana Petrushenka now has 30 medals in her personal collection. “This is an absolute world record [among Deaflympians]. Hanna Suravets’ result in the high jump is a new national record,” the head of the region highlighted.
Ivan Krupko expressed sincere gratitude to the coaching staff as well. “You create a system where champions are born. Your work is the foundation of these victories,” the Gomel Oblast governor said.
As noted during the ceremony, approximately 3,000 participants with hearing impairments from over 70 countries competed for victory. Belarusian athletes won 12 medals. Athletes and trainees from the southeastern region contributed 7 medals to Belarus’ tally: 2 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze.
Honored Master of Sport of the Republic of Belarus Aksana Petrushenka took first place in the 100m breaststroke and was the best in the 200m breaststroke. “It is a great joy for me that I was able to win two gold medals. During the competition, I always felt the support of our entire Belarus,” the athlete noted.
She recounted that the preparation for the competition was very serious. “We trained abroad as well. I want to express gratitude to the state for the funding,” Aksana Petrushenka said. Speaking about her immediate plans, the athlete admitted she now intends to take some time off. “Then we’ll see,” she added.
International Class Master of Sport Hanna Suravets clinched second place in the high jump. “The competition was very interesting and exciting. I will never forget it. It took me a very long time to even comprehend that I had won a medal. It probably didn’t sink in until 2 or 3 days later,” she noted. “I am proud of Belarus. And I am very happy that I could bring a medal to our country. Thank you all for your support.”
“You competed during challenging political times. You did so with bravery and a deep sense of duty towards your country and your region,” Gomel Oblast Governor Ivan Krupko emphasized. He pointed out that Aksana Petrushenka now has 30 medals in her personal collection. “This is an absolute world record [among Deaflympians]. Hanna Suravets’ result in the high jump is a new national record,” the head of the region highlighted.
Ivan Krupko expressed sincere gratitude to the coaching staff as well. “You create a system where champions are born. Your work is the foundation of these victories,” the Gomel Oblast governor said.
“We are proud that the Regional Olympic Reserve Center for Paralympic and Deaflympic Sports operates in Gomel. This is a unique institution, the only one in the country that prepares athletes from the initial stages to the highest ones. It is the base for future victories, future records. Currently, 155 athletes train here, with 43 of them being members of national teams,” he noted.
Addressing the athletes, Ivan Krupko stressed that their results prove that perseverance, hard work, and the will to win can overcome any difficulties. “Your achievements are an example of courage, resilience, and true patriotism. We are sincerely proud of you and wish you good health, new records, and new achievements for the glory of our native Gomel Oblast and beloved Belarus,” the head of the region concluded.
Photos by Sergei Kholodilin/BelTA
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