A 10-year-old Ukrainian rhythmic gymnast, Sasha Paskal, is sharing her story through dance after losing her leg in a Russian missile attack in 2022. Sasha and her mother, Maria, were at their seaside home in the Odesa region of southwestern Ukraine when the attack occurred.

Overcoming Adversity

Despite the devastating injury, Sasha has continued to pursue her passion for gymnastics. After seven months of rehabilitation, she returned to the sport and has since won several competitions, including a gold medal at the prestigious Carla’s Rhythmic Cup in Romania.

Sasha’s story has inspired many, and she has become a symbol of hope and resilience for Ukrainian children affected by the war. Her mother, Maria, describes her as ‘unbreakable’ and ‘strong,’ and says that Sasha’s passion for gymnastics has helped her to cope with the trauma of the attack.

A Global Initiative

Sasha is currently participating in the Dance of Freedom Tour, a global initiative launched by the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation to amplify the voices of Ukrainians whose lives have been affected by the war. The tour has taken her to several cities around the world, including Paris, New York, and Tokyo, where she has performed and shared her story with audiences.

The tour is also dedicated to the upcoming 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, and Sasha’s performances are a testament to the country’s ongoing fight for freedom. As Sasha says, ‘My passion for sport is bigger than my loss,’ and she hopes to participate in the Paralympics in Brisbane in six years and win a gold medal.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.