Photos show Ukraine's historic center in ruins but children, athletes still train ahead of Olympics

Ukraine's historic Chernihiv biathlon and cross-country training center, which produced the country's first Olympic medalist, remains in ruins after Russia's 2022 invasion. Despite bombed-out buildings and constant air-raid threats, children and Olympic hopefuls continue to train on its damaged ski tracks.

The Associated Press
January 16, 2026 at 2:41PM

CHERNIHIV, Ukraine — Ukraine's historic Chernihiv biathlon and cross-country training center, which produced the country's first Olympic medalist, remains in ruins after Russia's 2022 invasion. Despite bombed-out buildings and constant air-raid threats, children and Olympic hopefuls continue to train on its damaged ski tracks.

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

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JULIA DEMAREE NIKHINSON

The Associated Press

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