Artem Yarokhno

In my Made by Ukrainians series I keep introducing you to Ukrainians who live next to us and prove every single day: our people are talented, persistent, and dream big.

Today I once again tell the story of a person you cannot help but be proud of and admire. Meet Artem Yarokhno — a Ukrainian champion, a professional athlete, and a person who has devoted almost his entire life to sport.

Artem is a Candidate for Master of Sport of Ukraine in alpine skiing, a champion of Ukraine, a multiple winner and medalist of the Ukrainian Cup, Ukrainian championships, regional and commercial competitions. His name is well known in the world of Ukrainian alpine skiing.

He represented Ukraine at international championships — including in Turkey, where he was ranked among the TOP alpine skiers of Europe. Artem also had the honor of being a member of the National Team of Ukraine in alpine skiing, worthily representing our country at prestigious international competitions.

Today Artem is officially a member of the Ski Federation of Ukraine — the organization that unites professional athletes and develops this sport in Ukraine. His path is years of exhausting training, discipline, willpower and constant work on himself. Most of his training took place in Ukraine, but he also had the opportunity to train in Austria — among the real Alps and professional slopes considered some of the best in the world for alpine skiing.

Beyond his own sporting achievements, Artem worked as a coach with children and as an instructor for beginners, passing on his experience, knowledge and love for sport to others. He holds a higher education in sports and has already become a mentor for many kids, helping them believe in themselves, grow, and not be afraid of big goals.

And like for millions of Ukrainians, the war changed his life…

For almost 4 years now Artem and his family have been living in the United States, in Nicholasville. A year ago a child was born in their family — a new page of life, new dreams, and even greater motivation to keep moving forward.

He was forced to start life from zero, to look for himself in professions that were never his dream or his calling. But, unfortunately, the war took from many Ukrainians the possibility to live the life they had been building for years.

Despite all the hardships, Artem speaks about America with great warmth — about the people, the culture, the support and the opportunities his family has received here. And at the same time he continues to proudly carry within himself the Ukrainian spirit, the love for sport, and the love for his Homeland.

Stories like this remind us once again: Ukrainians are an incredibly strong nation. Even far from home we keep growing, working, building families, reaching heights, and inspiring others by our example.