Yesterday, the 22nd Maccabiah Games opened with a ceremony at Teddy Stadium attended by thousands of athletes from 45 countries who will compete in 45 sports. About 600 swimmers will take part in the pool at the Wingate Institute, among them one athlete with a particularly remarkable personal story, Paralympic swimmer Yaroslav Semenenko. In the Maccabiah, Paralympic swimming events are held alongside the regular competitions and not as a separate event.
Semenenko, 38, from Ukraine, has won two Paralympic medals: a bronze medal at Rio 2016 in the 100-meter backstroke and another bronze, this time in a team event, at Paris 2024 in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay. At European and world championships, he is not sure exactly how many medals he has, since they remain in Ukraine, the country he left for Finland due to the ongoing war with Russia. He estimates he has dozens.
Paralympic swimmer Yaroslav Semenenko
(Photo: Courtesy)
“I left them in the apartment where we lived because I had to leave the city urgently. Otherwise, I could have died. In the end I could not take everything with me. They remained in the part that Russia occupied.”
Semenenko was born without arms, but he did not allow his disability to become an obstacle. Beyond his successful sporting career, he is married with a child and says he has a message for anyone who looks at him with pity: “People treat those like me with disrespect and arrogance, but my spirit is stronger than they think. My family and friends supported me and continue to be there for me.”
He was orphaned at age 12 after his mother died, an event he says shaped his personality: “When my mother died, I felt deep pain and disappointment with our world. I understood I was left alone and would have to fight for my life alone.” He began swimming seven years later: “Beyond the body, I wanted to become stronger mentally as well. I was looking for a sport that would give me that and swimming fit.”
What does swimming give you?
“Sport in general is very important. Swimming is my job. I work, I swim, I earn money and support my family by realizing the potential within me. For me, victory is everything. Sport is one of the best activities in the world.”
What is it like being an athlete in Ukraine during wartime?
“We left the country when the war began. My wife and I understood our country was no longer safe for a small child. For more than four years we have been living in Finland and the move has been difficult for me. I lost two brothers in the war and could not even bury them. Many of my friends were also killed and there are still family members of mine who are dying and I can do nothing about it.”
What did you know about Israel?
“For me, Israel is a holy land. I know it is the place where God was born and I believe it is the happiest place on earth.”
Were you concerned about coming here?
“At first yes, but I think everything will be fine. After all, Israel is a large and very strong country and there is no threat there. I think it will be able to overcome everything and defeat evil.”
What did you know about the Maccabiah?
“That it is a big and wonderful competition and it is very important for me. I am coming to Israel with a lot of respect and appreciation.”