Illia Kovtun wins European gymnastics title in first international event for Croatia
Illia Kovtun, who switched from Ukrainian to Croatian citizenship last summer, has won the men’s all-around title at the 2026 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
Croatia's Illia Kovtun emerged victorious in the men's all-around category at the 2026 European Artistic Gymnastics Championships, securing his country's first-ever gold medal in the event. The triumph was achieved in Kovtun's debut as a Croatian representative, marking a significant milestone in his international career.
Kovtun narrowly edged out Russian gymnast Arsenii Dukhno by just 0.001 points, clinching the gold with a decisive margin. Ukrainian gymnasts, however, were absent from the medal podium during the competition.
Vladyslav Hryko secured the 18th position, while Mykyta Melnykov placed 22nd. Kovtun's success is a testament to his remarkable journey, having previously represented Ukraine in the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he claimed silver on the parallel bars. As a four-time European champion and multiple medalist at world championships, Kovtun's achievements speak volumes about his talent and dedication.
The switch to Croatian citizenship, a decision Kovtun made after the Paris Olympics, has been both celebrated and criticized. Kovtun himself acknowledged the challenges of leaving Ukraine, a war-torn region, to find a safer and more conducive environment for his sporting career. Despite the controversy surrounding his decision, Kovtun's performance on the world stage has undeniably brought pride to Croatia and solidified his status as a prominent gymnast in the global arena.
Written by urgent.news from New Voice of Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
