Ukraine’s six-time world champion Vika Marchuk added another award to her impressive collection when she became the first athlete to receive the prestigious Merited Master of Sport in Para Taekwondo last month.

A Para Taekwondo pioneer, Marchuk has seen international success since shortly after the sport was developed. In addition to her six world crowns, the diminutive dynamo has won five European titles and many other international titles. 

 

Ranked No. 1 in the women’s up to 49kg K43 division, Marchuk has not lost a fight since the introduction of rankings in 2016. In 2019, she won all seven of her events, including adding a record-setting sixth world crown and fifth European title. She also set the record for most points scored and biggest margin of victory with a 72-2 semi-final win at the 2019 European championship – the last time she fought.

 

Regardless of her result at Para Taekwondo’s Paralympic debut, Marchuk has already blazed a pioneering trail in the sport. 

 

Her storied career and contributions to the development of the sport in Ukraine are what prompted the Ukrainian government to introduce its most prestigious sports award in the sport of Para Taekwondo for the first time.

 

Marchuk will receive a special pin or badge, as well as an official diploma with a unique serial number at a special ceremony hosted by the state government.

• 12:05
• 1399/10/09
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