Roman Polianskyi

Started: He took up Para rowing in 2014. (Athlete, 30 Aug 2016) Reason: He initially took part in Para canoe sprint before switching to Para rowing. "I was attending a gym and my classmate suggested I do rowing." (Athlete, 30 Aug 2016) Milestones: He became the first Ukrainian rower to win more than one Paralympic gold medal in the sport when he claimed gold in the PR1 men's single sculls event at the 2020 Games in Tokyo, having previously won gold in the arms only single sculls event at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro. (SportsDeskOnline, 21 Jul 2024) Awards: He and wheelchair fencer Olena Fedota-Isaieva were Ukraine's flag bearers at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (medias.paris2024.org, 28 Aug 2024) In recognition of his achievements at the Paralympic Games in 2016 and 2020, he received the Order of Merit [third and second class, respectively] in Ukraine. (president.gov.ua, 16 Sep 2021, 04 Oct 2016) He has received the title of Honoured Master of Sport in Ukraine. (mms.gov.ua, 28 Dec 2022) In 2018 he was named among the Best Para Athletes of the Year in the Odessa region of Ukraine. (odessa.online, 28 Dec 2018)

Sporting Relatives: His wife Olexandra Polianska [nee Yankova] has represented Ukraine in Para rowing, and competed at the Paralympic Games in 2016 and 2020. (SportsDeskOnline, 03 Apr 2022)