Ukrainian Paralympic athletes will be bringing a fistful of medals home from the games in Beijing, having dominated several events and swept the podium twice. At the same time, their thoughts are constantly on their families back home. “My heart and soul is with my family and with my child,” said Oleksandra Kononova. “It’s very difficult to focus.” Some athletes have had to pull out of competitions after hearing what their loved ones are going through in Ukraine. Others are donating portions of their prize money to Ukrainian causes, and some will be going home to join the army after the games are over. The team’s arrival in Beijing is being called “a miracle,” but where they will go after the games and when they will return home is still uncertain.

Read Full Story


More: