After losing her leg to a Russian missile attack, this 10-year-old Ukrainian gymnast is telling her story through dance
Goldlaner.com – “`html
After Losing Her Leg: Sasha Paskal’s Journey Through Dance and Resilience
After losing her leg to a Russian missile attack in May 2022, 10-year-old Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast Sasha Paskal has transformed her tragedy into triumph. The young athlete from Zatoka, a seaside village in Ukraine’s Odesa region, is now sharing her powerful story through dance on a global stage. Her journey demonstrates extraordinary courage and determination in the face of devastating loss.
The missile that struck Sasha’s family home came just three months after Russia’s full-scale invasion began. Despite no warning siren, the devastating blast shattered their seaside residence into concrete slabs and rebar. Sasha lay trapped beneath a heavy concrete slab that crushed her left leg, while her arm was dislocated and her finger hung loose. Her mother Maria, though initially unconscious from the explosion, vividly recalled the harrowing moment when neighbors helped lift the slab and rushed Sasha to hospital.
A New Beginning Through Dance
After losing her leg, doctors faced a critical decision. Blood circulation to Sasha’s left leg had stopped, and the limb remained cold, leaving amputation as their only option. While many might see this as the end of an athletic career, Sasha proved otherwise. “My passion for sport is bigger than my loss,” she told CNN Sports with remarkable conviction. Following seven months of rehabilitation and learning to walk with a prosthetic leg, she returned to the gym with renewed purpose.
The young gymnast’s dedication paid off quickly. Just seven months after returning to training, Sasha competed in rhythmic gymnastics in Chornomorsk, winning her first competition while performing with her prosthesis. “Gymnastics is one of the most important things in my life,” she explained. “I like it very much. It’s my everyday opportunity to be fit and it’s my passion.” This unwavering commitment earned her the prestigious “Future of Ukraine” state honor from President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska.
Today, Sasha’s story reaches audiences worldwide through the Dance of Freedom Tour. This global initiative, launched by the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation in partnership with FC Shakhtar Donetsk, amplifies the voices of Ukrainians whose lives have been affected by war. The tour celebrates Ukraine’s upcoming 35th anniversary of independence on August 24, connecting Sasha’s personal journey to her nation’s ongoing fight for freedom. Over two weeks, the 10-year-old has performed in Paris, New York’s Times Square, Rio de Janeiro, and Nairobi before arriving in Tokyo for the tour’s final stop.
“She’s unbreakable,” Maria told CNN Sports. “She’s so strong and motivated. We are very proud because, although she’s very young, she’s a role model for many people with similar circumstances.”
After losing her leg, Sasha has become more than an athlete—she’s become a symbol of hope for Ukrainian children. According to UNICEF, more than a third of Ukraine’s children, nearly 2.6 million, remain displaced. Since February 24, 2022, more than 3,200 children have been killed or injured, and over 1,700 schools have been damaged or destroyed. The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation has stepped up to support these young victims.
“Since the war started, the role of the foundation has grown significantly,” explained Yuri Sviridov, a member of the foundation’s supervisory board. “They have gone through a very difficult period of time, and we never want any kids in other countries to experience what they have experienced. We believe that, one day, the war will be over and kids like Sasha will develop and be educated.”
FAQ: Sasha Paskal’s Story
When did Sasha lose her leg? Sasha lost her leg in May 2022 when a Russian missile struck her family’s home in Zatoka, Ukraine.
What sport does Sasha practice? Sasha is a rhythmic gymnast who continues to compete and perform with a prosthetic leg.
What is the Dance of Freedom Tour? The Dance of Freedom Tour is a global initiative by the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation and FC Shakhtar Donetsk that showcases Ukrainian stories through dance.
What honor did Sasha receive? Sasha was awarded the “Future of Ukraine” state honor by President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska.
Where is Sasha performing now? Sasha is currently in Tokyo preparing for the final stop of her Dance of Freedom Tour.
“`
