Participant of the regional contest "Young Person of the Year – 2025" in the nomination "A Heart Given to Donetsk Region" Veronica Korzhova
I am Veronica Korzhova, an 11th-grade graduate of Siversk Secondary School No. 13, and I have been recognized as one of the best athletes in the Donetsk region for March 2025. I am 17 years old. I have been swimming since childhood and represent the Donetsk Regional Children and Youth Sports School for Persons with Disabilities, where I am recognized in the "Sports for Persons with Disabilities" category.
At an international tournament in Spain for athletes with musculoskeletal disorders, I achieved brilliant results: I won three gold medals in the 200m medley (with a new European record), the 100m freestyle, and the absolute championship. I also won two silver medals in the 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle, and two bronze medals in the 100m backstroke and 100m breaststroke. My coach, Svitlana Kaznacheyeva from Sloviansk, a Merited Coach of Ukraine and a Merited Worker of Physical Culture and Sports of Ukraine, also received high recognition alongside me.
The monthly recognition of the best athletes and coaches in the region, organized by the Department of Physical Culture and Sports of the Donetsk Regional State Administration, provides additional motivation. With this motivation, I have once again proven that hard work, talent, and the support of a mentor can lead to great athletic achievements, even in the most challenging conditions.
I started swimming in preschool, despite the tragedy of losing both legs in early childhood. I trained at the "Artemil" Sports Complex in the city of Soledar and was one of the first to swim despite problems with the musculoskeletal system. I first attended a swimming competition in Donetsk as a spectator. That competition inspired me to try my hand, and my hopes came true—I won third place! My dreams didn't end there. My next goal was to become a Paralympic champion. That goal was also achieved with a third-place finish at the championship in Manchester in 2023! I also took third place in the 4x50m medley relay at the Paralympic Games 2024 in Paris, France, where I set a European record!
I am among the top 25 gifted children in Ukraine, for which I receive a scholarship. In life, I am an optimist, purposeful, strong-willed, principled, and I bravely pursue my goals. I am sincere and open to communication and want to be an example for everyone who loses faith in their life due to small or even big problems. Despite my limitations, I try to be as independent and attractive as possible. I am friendly and generous, always ready to lend a helping hand and support others.
I stand on the podiums of sports competitions and will always thank my family and mentors, teachers, and coaches for motivating, supporting, and celebrating every one of my successes. It is pleasant to hear the community call me their "golden fish" and follow all my competitions, celebrating my achievements. This serves as a stepping stone for bigger accomplishments, because sport is my life. It opens up the world to me, gives me friends from all over the planet, and helps me grow. The hardest part is finding a balance between sports and studies, but this challenge makes me stronger. I believe that nothing is impossible. If you want to succeed, the main thing is to overcome fear and laziness. By fighting them, we unlock our resources and feel happier. Never give up, because you can't defeat a person who doesn't give up.