Ukrainian aeromodellers — full set of medals in Lost Hills (6–16 February)
At the stages of the World Cup in free-flight models in Lost Hills (USA), the Ukrainian team won a full set of medals — gold, silver and bronze. The competitions took place from 6 to 16 February, with 89 athletes from 15 countries participating, and Ukraine's delegation included 5 participants, the Ministry of Youth and Sports reported (statement, UNN).
"Ukrainian aeromodellers won a full set of medals at the stages of the World Cup in free-flight models. The competitions were held from 6 to 16 February in Lost Hills (USA) with 89 athletes from 15 countries participating, among them 5 Ukrainians."
— Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine (statement, UNN)
Results for the Ukrainians: gold — Yurii Hrushkovskyi (F1A); silver — Artem Babenko (F1C); bronze — Mykola Kovalenko (F1B). These disciplines require precision, technological preparation of the models, and reliable work from the support team.
Why this matters
First, the result demonstrates the effectiveness of a small but well-prepared delegation: 5 representatives produced an outcome that carries weight not only in sporting terms but also for the country's image. Second, such victories function as soft power — they confirm that Ukrainian youth and technical schools continue to deliver results on the international stage, even under difficult circumstances.
Experts and sports managers note that systematic support (training, access to materials and logistics) allows individual talents to be turned into consistent international successes. This is an important signal both for donors and for state programs aimed at developing junior sport.
Parallels and next steps
The ministry also reported that Ukraine will not boycott the 2026 Paralympics — Ukrainian Paralympians will take part; the question of participation in the opening ceremony will be decided later. This is part of a broader approach: participation in international competitions preserves the country's visibility and influence in sport.
Analysis: this success is not an instant sensation but proof of practices that work. The next task for the state and the sporting community is to transform these individual victories into a systemic strategy for supporting youth and infrastructure. Whether this momentum will be used to scale up training programs is a question whose answer will determine the broader significance of these medals.
