Sport in Ukraine has been worshiped since ancient times. At the times of Kyiv Rus the the world was covered with the fame of invincible warriors, who consider a duty to protect people and the fatherland. Centuries later, Cossacks – brave defenders of independent state – got the same glory.

Sport in Ukraine has been worshiped since ancient times. At the times of Kyiv Rus the the world was covered with the fame of invincible warriors, who consider a duty to protect people and the fatherland. Centuries later, Cossacks – brave defenders of independent state – got the same glory.

Ukraine was not once praised by strongmen - descendants of famous Cossacks - such as Ivan Poddubny – athlete of early 20th century who was considered as a follower of Cossacks kind. He was called "Iron John" and "Champion of Champions", as well as "Russian Hercules". Today Vasyl Virastyuk holds the title of "the strongest man in the world", a constant world champion in force-around.

Ukraine is a country of sports and healthy lifestyle. It is not a modern craze, but rather – a matter of honor and the choice of everyone.

Even at school children learn to love sport having physical training lessons. The most talented among them continue to exercise as their main activity, making a pretty successful career going in for sports for the entire life.

As in most countries all over the world, football has the first priority among other sports. It is the most popular game among children and adults. Football is actively developed and maintained at all levels. Ukrainian football clubs and the national team proudly represent the honor of the country within the international arena, and the glory of brave Ukrainian players such as Andriy Shevchenko, Andriy Voronin, Oleg Blokhin and others extends far beyond the country.

Due attention is paid to the Ukrainian basketball and hockey. Men who represent these kinds of sport spend their lives training and working on themselves to achieve the best results.

For example, a gymnast Anna Bessonova – the world champion in 2007, five times world champion and three times European champion. There are lots and lots of trophies in Anna Bessonova’s record list: two times world champion in hoop and clubs types, the winner of gold medals at the World Cup, three times European champion in individual all-around types (hoop, clubs, ribbon), the absolute champion of the World in 2007, double bronze medalist in the Olympics and multiple World Championships, the silver medalist of Europe.

Special attention is given Ukrainian boxing as well.

It's not a secret that Ukrainian brothers Vladimir and Vitaliy Klitschko are considered to be ones of the best boxers of the world; they constantly prove their leadership and gain new champions belts.

Vitaliy Klitschko won over Samuel Peter on 11 October 2008 having made an old dream of brothers come true: they both became world champions in the Heavyweight categories of professional boxing. Vitaliy regained the championship belt of WBC meanwhile Vladimir won WBO, IBF and IBO champion belts.

During the fight with Samuel Peter in 2009 Vitaliy Klitschko was awarded the prize of the World Academy of Sports "Laureus" as the "Return of the year."