Yauheni Tsikhantsou, Siuzanna Valodzka welcomed back in Minsk

Paris Olympic bronze medalist Yauheni Tsikhantsou, fourth-placed Siuzanna Valodzka and their coaches returned home following the 2024 Olympics.

Despite the late hour of their arrival (about 3am), the athletes were welcomed back by their friends and loved ones, teammates, coaches, fans and journalists.

Representatives of the NOC of Belarus and the Sport and Tourism Ministry also welcomed the athletes at the airport.

“The emotions are just great. I am very much happy. The support of the loves ones and friends is invaluable,” Yauheni said. “It is priceless. I am grateful to everyone who came! It is really great.”

“The plans remain the same. We will be getting ready for the Los Angeles Games. We will be working on this goal. Now we need to focus on our health recovery program and get ready for the European Weightlifting Championships next year. We will embark on our preparations to gain qualification points in order to qualify for the next Olympics,” the athlete said.

“I am happy with my performance. I am satisfied with the result. I lifted heavier weights in training, so this result was not stunning for me,” Yauheni said.

Once again, we congratulate our Olympic champion and medalists, as well as all the Belarusian athletes who performed at the Paris Games. You are the embodiment of power and strength! We are proud of you!

Belarus won four medals at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris: Ivan Litvinovich – gold in trampoline, 2 silvers - Viyaleta Bardzilouskaya – silver in trampoline, Yauheni Zalaty – silver in single sculls, and Yauheni Tsikhantsou – bronze in weightlifting.

Three more Belarusians made it to Top 5 in their sports: Siuzanna Valodzka finished fourth in weightlifting, Uladzislau Kravets fourth in canoe sprint, and Yuliya Trushkina fifth in canoe sprint.

Tatsiana Klimovich (single sculls), Anastasiya Shkurdai (swimming), Alina Zmushka (swimming) made it to Top 8 at the 2024 Olympic Games.

A total of 17 Belarusian athletes competed in 10 sports at the 2024 Paris Games.

Press service of the NOC of Belarus

Photos by BelTA