The Olympic House hosted the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine’s ceremony honouring the Best Young Athlete of June. The prestigious title was awarded to European Junior diving champion Diana KARNAFEL, while her coach Olha Ivanenko was named Best Coach of a Young Athlete.
Receiving the award, Diana KARNAFEL said she was delighted to be recognised as Athlete of the Month. The young Ukrainian diver first made her mark on the international stage last year, when she claimed her first European junior title at the European Junior Championships in Rzeszów, Poland. According to Diana, becoming a champion had always been her dream, but she understood that staying at the top is even more difficult than reaching it.
This year, she confirmed her status as one of Europe’s best junior divers and, at her senior European Championships debut, captured her first senior gold medal by winning the Synchronised 3m Springboard event alongside Kseniia BOCHEK.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the President of the Ukrainian Diving Federation, Igor Lysov, for his continuous support and for creating the opportunities that allow athletes to develop. Thanks to this, we are able to represent Ukraine with pride on the international stage.
I would also like to thank the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, and personally Vadym Guttsait, for this recognition. For me, it is not only an award, but also motivation to keep working even harder and striving for greater achievements.
My heartfelt thanks go to my personal coach, Olha Ivanenko, and to all the coaches who work with me for their support and belief in me. And, of course, I am deeply grateful to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for giving us the opportunity to train and compete under the Ukrainian flag,” Diana KARNAFEL said.
Her coach, Olha Ivanenko, also thanked the organisers for the recognition, admitting that the award came as a pleasant surprise.
“It is wonderful to know that my work has been recognised so highly. This award motivates me to become even better, achieve greater results, and never stop improving.”
The Ukrainian Diving Federation, led by Igor Lysov, also received an award in recognition of its contribution to preparing the champion. The distinction was accepted on behalf of the Federation by Vice President Tamara Tokmachova, who received it from NOC President Vadym Guttsait.
“This is not our ultimate goal—we are moving towards the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The conditions created by our Federation President, Igor Lysov, leave us with only one option: to strive for Olympic medals,” said Tamara Tokmachova.
Photos: Press Service of the Ukrainian Diving Federation