Elina Svitolina: Ukraine’s Flag Bearer for the 2024 Olympic Games Glory
On the tennis court, Elina Svitolina has proudly represented Ukraine as a symbol of bravery and tenacity.
Having been confirmed as the flag bearer for Ukraine for the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, her job as an advocate for her nation has taken on even greater significance.
She is now the fourth tennis player to be chosen to represent their nation at the 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony in Paris. Brave Every time Elina Svitolina takes the court, she has been figuratively waving the flag for Ukraine and encouraging her fellow citizens in the face of hardship.
Now that Svitolina has secured her nomination to represent Ukraine at the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, that role will mean something quite different.
Prior to the competition, Svitolina told the media, “It is a huge honor to represent my country, to be among so many great Ukrainian athletes.” Being able to represent Ukraine has always been such a privilege.
“I’m glad the Olympics are in Paris and it’s going to be another special one, but I just saw Roland Garros six weeks ago, and it looks very different.”
As the second-ranked tennis player in the nation, Svitolina has emerged as a prominent spokesperson for Ukraine on the WTA Tour since the commencement of Russia’s military incursion in February 2022.
In collaboration with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s United24 project, Svitolina has worked to deliver life-saving medical care and humanitarian help through her own organization. The Ukrainian team at the Billie Jean King Cup has been managed by the Elina Svitolina Foundation since the conclusion of the previous year. Accompanied by fellow Olympians Marta Kostyuk and Dayana Yastremska, Ukraine has advanced to the World Group Qualifiers stage for the past three years.
Svitolina, who won a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, will be playing in her third Olympics, and her first opponent will be Uchijima Moyuka of Japan.
Also Read: Coco Gauff Selected as Female U.S. Flag Bearer for Paris Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremony
“I have performed in Rio in 2016 and Tokyo in 2020,” Svitolina said to Ukrainian media in Paris. “I’m thrilled to be back on the court and to have the chance to play at the Games once more. This was my top priority when I initially started exercising after delivering my kid.
“For me, the Olympics have always had a unique theme and a unique source of motivation: I play for my nation here. I find this to be really significant, particularly at this trying time. So we get ready and get to work. I hope my experience at the Olympics is as positive as it was in Tokyo.
Svitolina became the fourth tennis player to be selected to represent their nation at the Olympic Opening Ceremony after the announcement. Together with Nicolas Jarry of Chile and Danka Kovinic of Montenegro, Coco Gauff became the first tennis player and the youngest athlete to be nominated as a flag bearer for Team USA on Wednesday.
