Two-time European weightlifting champion Oleksandr Pielieshenko, who previously served a doping suspension, died while defending Ukraine in the war with Russia at the age of 30. Pielieshenko finished fourth at the 2016 Rio Olympics and was the first Olympian confirmed to have died in the conflict. His death raises questions about Russia's participation in the upcoming Paris Olympics as neutral athletes despite opposition from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian weightlifting community mourns his loss, emphasizing that heroes do not die.
Two-time European weightlifting champion Oleksandr Pielieshenko, aged 30, died on the front line in the war in Ukraine, after joining the armed forces at the start of Russia's invasion. Pielieshenko had won the European under-85 kilogram division in 2016 and 2017, missing out on an Olympic medal in 2016, and committing a second doping violation in 2018. He is one of over 400 Ukrainian athletes and officials killed in the war.
Oleksandr Yuriyovych Pielieshenko (Ukrainian: Олександр Юрійович Пелешенко, also transliterated Peleshenko (7 January 1994 – 5 May 2024) was a Ukrainian weightlifter. He was the 2016 and 2017 European Champion. He also competed for Ukraine at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Pielieshenko was killed in action during the Russo-Ukrainian War, at the age of 30.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed in the two-year conflict with Russia, with an additional plea for allies to hasten aid deliveries. Zelenskyy also claimed that Russian forces have suffered 500,000 casualties, including 180,000 deaths, contrasting U.S. estimates. Kyiv faces urgent need for more soldiers and supplies to resist Russian attacks. Reports indicate Moscow's use of North Korean weapons. Zelenskyy refrained from disclosing figures on wounded and missing troops and civilian casualties, emphasizing the toll on Ukrainian society and the dynamic nature of the situation.
Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian human rights advocate and Kremlin critic serving a 25-year jail term for criticizing Moscow's war in Ukraine, has won the Pulitzer Prize for his passionate columns written from his prison cell in Russia. His wife expressed gratitude for ensuring his voice is heard. Kara-Murza has survived two poisonings and faces harsh conditions in prison under Putin's crackdown. He was charged with treason for denouncing the invasion of Ukraine and is viewed as a symbol of dissent in Russia. The Pulitzer announcement highlighted his warning about the consequences of dissent in Putin's Russia.
The Men's 85 kg weightlifting competitions at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro took place on 12 August at the Pavilion 2 of Riocentro.On October 13, 2016, the IWF reported that bronze medalist Gabriel Sincraian of Romania had tested positive for excess testosterone in a test connected to the Rio Olympics.
Russia launched a series of deadly attacks on Odesa, Ukraine, including drone strikes and ballistic missiles, resulting in significant civilian casualties and destruction. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the urgent need for air defence systems, referencing a delay in US support. The attacks, including the striking of a promontory overlooking the Black Sea, led to multiple fatalities, including paramedics responding to the scene.
The following medal table is a list of National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and one non-NOC team ranked by the number of gold medals won by their athletes during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, from 5 to 21 August 2016.Vietnam, Kosovo, Fiji, Singapore, Puerto Rico, Bahrain, Jordan, Tajikistan and Ivory Coast won their first Olympic gold medals (however, Bahrain retroactively was awarded a gold medal for the 2012 Summer Olympics in 2017 due to medals reallocation). They were also the first Olympic medals of any kind for Kosovo, Jordan and Fiji. Kuwaiti shooter Fehaid Al-Deehani became the first independent athlete to win a gold medal, though gold medals have been won under the Olympic flag by other entities, such as countries that competed under the flag at 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow or the Unified Team in 1992.The United States of America led the medal table both in number of gold medals won and in overall medals, winning 46 gold and 121 total medals respectively. Behind the United States, Great Britain were second on the medal table by golds (27) and third by overall medals (67) – their highest ranked finishes in gold since the home games of 1908 and in overall medals since 1920 – while China were third by golds (26) and second by overall medals (70). Both countries were well clear of a following group in the table that included Russia, Germany, France and 2020 host Japan.Athletes from 87 nations earned medals at the 2016 Summer Olympics, breaking the record of most nations winning a medal at a single edition of the Olympics. However, following reallocation due to doping sanctions, an 87th country was later awarded a medal at the 2008 Olympics, tying the record. Athletes from 59 nations earned gold medals at these games, also breaking the record for the most nations winning gold at a single games. Host country Brazil won seven gold medals, their most at any single Summer Olympics.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law to boost conscription, providing incentives for draft-eligible men while struggling against Russia's advance capturing a quarter of Ukraine. The law, expected to take effect in a month, aims to replenish depleted forces but lacks provisions for troop rotation after 36 months of combat, causing public outrage due to exhausted soldiers on the front lines.
Katie Ledecky, known as the greatest female swimmer of all time with 10 Olympic medals and 26 world championship medals, will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She plans to compete in the Paris Olympics, shares excitement for future events, and considers continuing swimming beyond 2028. Ledecky emphasizes the importance of joy in swimming and resilience, especially during the challenges faced in 2020 and 2021 with the postponed Olympics.
On Orthodox Easter, Russian drone and bomb attacks killed a woman and injured 24 in Kharkiv; Russian forces captured the village of Ocheretyne in Donetsk region; Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in France to discuss the war in Ukraine with President Emmanuel Macron; Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called for unity and prayer for the soldiers; Ukraine's Eurovision winner Jamala expressed the need to participate in the song contest despite calls for a boycott due to Russia's invasion; Xi Jinping aims to work with France and the international community to find a resolution for the conflict in Ukraine.
Cyberwarriors training for the Paris Olympics are preparing by working with friendly hackers and analyzing their opponents' tactics, including teenage showoffs and Russian military hackers. The cybersecurity engineers aim to avoid the spotlight and achieve success by maintaining strong digital defenses to prevent any major incidents during the Games. The cybersecurity teams protecting the Olympics remain discreet about their work but anticipate staying busy fending off cybercriminals.
Troops and tanks are gathering in Moscow for Russia's Victory Day celebrations, coinciding with Putin's latest presidential inauguration following a controversial election. The annual event marks the country's role in defeating Nazi Germany in World War II. The display comes as Russia faces reports of losing 1,000 troops daily in the Ukraine invasion. Putin, attending Easter mass, faces criticism for rocket attacks in Ukraine. Victory Day, on May 9, commemorates Nazi Germany's surrender in 1945. This year's event follows Putin's inauguration, marking his continuation of power since 1999.
Vladimir Putin's fifth presidential inauguration in Russia marks the start of another six-year term, making him the Kremlin's longest-serving leader since Joseph Stalin. The lavish ceremony at the Grand Kremlin Palace highlights Putin's long-standing rule, compared to historical figures like Catherine the Great. International reactions include a detained US soldier in Russia, UK's plans for weapon production for Ukraine, and criticisms of Putin's overwhelming victory in the election. Western governments condemned the outcome as not free or fair.
British gymnast Ondine Achampong, a top athlete who won silver at the World Championships in 2022 and four gold medals at the British Gymnastics Championships, is expected to miss the Paris Olympics after tearing her ACL during a competition in Lilleshall, England. The 20-year-old expressed devastation over the injury, which typically requires a year of recovery after surgery. Another British gymnast, Jessica Gadirova, may also miss the Olympics due to a similar injury sustained in October.
Six people were killed and 35 others injured in a Ukrainian drone attack in Russia's Belgorod region. The drones targeted vehicles carrying company employees and a passenger car, with two children sustaining minor injuries and one man in serious condition undergoing surgery. The Russian Investigative Committee will investigate the attack. Belgorod has been a repeated target of Ukrainian attacks since the invasion of Ukraine over two years ago.
Russian attacks on Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, have killed at least four people and injured 12. The strikes targeted residential buildings, cutting off power to around 350,000 residents. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attacks as despicable and cynical. Three rescue workers were among the casualties, with 11 of 20 drones used in the strikes being shot down by Ukrainian forces. Kharkiv, located near the Russian border, has been frequently targeted during the ongoing conflict that started in February 2022.
The Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo, Sweden is at the center of controversy as Israel's participation amidst protests and calls for boycott due to the war on Gaza. More than 30 entries, including 'Falastinvision' as an alternative, are vying for votes online. Artists, like Ukraine's Jamala, resist calls for boycott, highlighting the need to remind Europe of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Security concerns prompt Swedish police, along with Danish and Norwegian officers, to be on alert. Participants, like Olly Alexander and Bambie Thug, face backlash over their decision to compete despite concerns over Israel's inclusion and ongoing conflicts.
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