For Ukrainian diver, 10 meters from water, 1,500 miles from father at war

Ukrainian diver Oleksii Sereda, 18, shares his experiences at the 2024 Paris Olympics while facing the stress of his father serving in the military during Russia's invasion. Sereda, a former European champion, says the second Olympics is "much harder" due to worries about his father in Mykolaiv, a war-torn city. He speaks of relentless sirens, bombs, and sleepless nights, expressing concern about his father's safety. Despite the stress, Sereda and partner Kirill Boliukh place fifth in the synchronized diving competition, narrowly missing a medal. Sereda acknowledges his errors but emphasizes that one mistake can lead to elimination in the high-stakes sport. He laments the missed opportunity to win a medal for his country and those supporting the war effort. Sereda remains optimistic, urging fellow Ukrainians to "never give up" and assures them that "everything will be fine." The young diver's voice resonates with the realities of war and the determination to overcome adversity. Despite the ongoing conflict, Sereda expresses his aspiration to return to future Olympics and represent his country with pride. He serves as a reminder of the human toll of war and the resilience of those who persevere in the face of unimaginable challenges.