The Ukrainian sports community has faced a loud and unexpected statement: 19-year-old European high diving champion Nelli Chukanovska has publicly announced her intention to compete for the Croatian national team in the future. The news has caused a wide resonance, given the athlete's recent historical successes on the international arena under the Ukrainian flag.
Background and Athletic Achievements
A native of Pokrov, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Nelli Chukanovska left Ukraine after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion and found refuge in Croatia. It was there that the young talent continued professional training under the guidance of experienced Ukrainian specialist Oleh Vyshivanov. In a short time, the athlete entered the elite of world high diving: in 2022, she won the junior world championship, and already in the current year 2026, she brought Ukraine its first-ever gold at the European Aquatics Championships in Paris.
Essence of the Statement and Future Plans
In her video message recorded in Croatian, the athlete explained her decision by a deep attachment to the country that became her second home. According to Chukanovska, she sees her future and wants to develop high diving precisely on Balkan soil as a sign of gratitude for the support. Despite changing her sports allegiance, the athlete emphasized that Ukraine will forever remain in her heart.
Current Status and Competition Schedule
Despite the loud statement, the process of changing citizenship takes time and legal procedures, so currently Nelli Chukanovska continues to defend the colors of the Ukrainian flag. In September, she successfully competed in the final of the prestigious Red Bull Cliff Diving series, and she plans to conclude the 2026 sports season at the World Cup stage in China, scheduled for November 21-22.
