Ukrainian boxer sacrificed Olympic dreams and life to fight against Russia

In this photo provided by the International Olympic Committee, Maksym Halinichev of Ukraine, right, competes against Abdumalik Khalokov of Uzbekistan during the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Oct. 18, 2018. In this photo provided by the IOC, from left, Maksym Halinichev of Ukraine, Abdumalik Khalokov of Uzbekistan and Mirco Jehiel Cuello of Argentina stand during the medal a ceremony during The Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Oct. 18, 2018. Young boxers prepare to fight during a boxing tournament in honor of Maksym Halinichev, in Romny, in Ukraine's Sumy region, Feb. 3, 2024. Images of Halinichev flank the central billboard. Vasilisa plays with her mother, Polina Ihrak, during a boxing tournament in honor of her father, Maksym Halinichev, who was killed during fighting with Russian forces in March 2023, in Romny, in Ukraine's Sumy region, Feb. 3, 2024. Young boxers enter the opening ceremony of a boxing tournament in honor of Maksym Halinichev, in Romny, in Ukraine's Sumy region, Feb. 3, 2024.

Maksym Halinichev won silver at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires in a match described at the time as "two of the best young fighters going for glory." He considered the bout a loss – it wasn't gold, after all – but it gave him a map for the future.