Oleksandr Usyk and Olha Harlan received honorary state awards.
On the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the proclamation of Independence, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded boxer Oleksandr Usyk and fencer Olga Kharlan with the Order of Freedom.
Usyk is an undefeated world boxing champion. In May 2024, the Ukrainian became the first absolute world champion in the heavyweight division in the 21st century, defeating Briton Tyson Fury.
Kharlan won two medals at the 2024 Olympics in Paris – team gold and bronze in the individual championship. Olga became Ukraine's absolute record holder for medals won at the Olympics. In total, she has six Olympic awards.
The Order of Liberty in the history of Ukraine among athletes was also received by former world boxing champion Vladimir Klitschko (2017) and multiple world pole vault champion Serhiy Bubka (2021).
Let us add that a few days earlier, Zelensky awarded Usyk and Harlan the “National Legend of Ukraine” awards.
The Order of Liberty is a state award of Ukraine, which is awarded for outstanding merits in affirming the sovereignty and independence of the country, consolidating society, developing democracy, socio-economic and political reforms, as well as for the protection of constitutional rights and freedoms.
The Order of Liberty can be received by citizens of Ukraine, foreigners and stateless persons.
This order is awarded by decree of the President of Ukraine and can be repeated. The order can also be awarded posthumously. The recipient receives the title of Knight of the Order of Liberty.
The procedure for awarding and presenting the order is regulated by special rules. The recipient receives the badge of the order and the order book.