Roman Holovatiuk: Kickboxing champion and patriot dies at 28

The kickboxing world champion, Roman Holovatiuk, has passed away. The exceptional athlete tragically died while serving on the front line in Ukraine. The Kamianets-Podilskyi City Council announced the athlete's death. The touching post stirred a wave of sorrow not only in the local community but across the entire country. Roman Holovatiuk was only 28 years old.

Roman Holovatiuk gained fame on the international stage with his kickboxing achievements. In 2017, he won a silver medal at the prestigious World Games in Wrocław, and in the following years, he claimed world, European, and Ukrainian championships. His talent and determination earned him recognition both among his compatriots and worldwide.

Roman Holovatiuk was also known for his deep sense of patriotism. When the Ukraine conflict intensified, he abandoned his glittering sports career to defend his homeland.

The decision to enlist in the army as a volunteer was a testament to his dedication and willingness to sacrifice for his country. Unfortunately, the 28-year-old had to pay the highest price for it.

Roman Holovatiuk died during fighting on the front line. The sad news was shared by Kamieniec Podolski City Council, where the athlete was from.

The 28-year-old kickboxing world champion Roman Holovatiuk has passed away. Roman was known in our city, in Ukraine, and around the world as an athlete, champion, patriot, and true Cossack. He made a significant contribution to the development of Ukrainian sport. It is a great loss for the entire country. Roman Hołowatiuk will remain in Ukraine's history and our memory forever. Rest in peace, our Hero and Champion," the Kamianets-Podilskyi City Council in the Khmelnytskyi Oblast announced on social media.

The Ukraine Sports Committee, in its farewell post, also emphasised that "the country has lost a top-class athlete and patriot". The moving post also mentioned Holovatiuk's remarkable achievements.

Roman Holovatiuk had many years of life and career ahead of him. He was supposed to celebrate his 29th birthday in September, but fate decided otherwise.