Ukraine's Mykhailo Svidrak forced to eye Los Angeles 2028

Although Mykhailo Svidrak narrowly missed qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, his rapid rise in the judo world suggests a bright future ahead, with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics firmly in his sights. Born in 2000, Svidrak has quickly made a name for himself as a promising judoka, demonstrating exceptional talent and determination.

Svidrak was born in Nadvirna, the same city where double Olympic medallist Roman Gontyuk is from. He took silver in 2004 in the final against Iliadis and bronze in 2008 in Beijing in the same category U81kg as Svidrak competes.

Svidrak began his judo journey at the age of eight when Gontyuk won his second Olympic medal. His mother signed him up for classes in Nadvirna, a town in southwestern Ukraine. Driven by a desire to become strong, Svidrak took to the sport with enthusiasm and dedication. Over the years, his passion for judo grew, leading him to compete at higher levels and achieve significant milestones.

Rapid Ascendancy in the Judo World

Svidrak's ascent in the judo ranks has been marked by impressive achievements. In 2023, he won his first senior title in the -81kg category at the European Open in Tallinn, Estonia. This victory was a testament to his hard work and skill, setting the stage for further success.

In 2024, Svidrak clinched a bronze medal at the Tashkent Grand Slam, competing against some of the world's top athletes. His performance in Tashkent highlighted his ability to compete at an elite level and provided valuable experience on the international stage. Additionally, Svidrak secured two Grand Prix medals in 2023: a silver in Linz and a bronze in Zagreb, further cementing his reputation as a formidable competitor in the -81kg class.

Training and Support

Svidrak's training regimen is rigorous and well-supported. He trains under the guidance of personal coaches Eugene Bodnaruk and Ruslan Mirzaliyev, as well as national coach Vitaliy Dubrova. Residing in Nadvirna, Svidrak benefits from a supportive community and a dedicated training environment. His preferred technique, uchimata, is a testament to his technical proficiency and adaptability on the mat.

Academic and Personal Life

Balancing academics and sports, Svidrak graduated in 2023 with a Master's degree in Physical Culture and Sports from West Ukrainian National University. This academic achievement underscores his commitment to both his intellectual and athletic development. Outside of judo, Svidrak enjoys basketball and is a fan of the Golden State Warriors, drawing inspiration from NBA star Steph Curry.

Looking Ahead to Los Angeles 2028

While missing out on the Paris 2024 Olympics was undoubtedly a setback, Svidrak remains focused on his long-term goals. His recent achievements and steady improvement suggest that he will be a strong contender for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. With his dedication, skill, and the support of his coaches and community, Svidrak is poised to make a significant impact on the judo world in the years to come.