Sixteen-year-old Ukrainian star of rhythmic gymnastics, Taisia Onofriychuk, achieved a remarkable victory at the World Cup stage in Baku, stunning everyone with her bold stance.

In the hoop final, she secured gold, surpassing former Russian Vera Tugolukova, who now represents Cyprus, and Belarusian Salos Anastasia, competing under a neutral flag.

After the awarding ceremony, athletes typically take a group photo on the podium. However, Onofriychuk refused to stand next to her competitors, delivering a clear message that resonated with thousands of Ukrainians on social media. Even mascots were taken aback by this turn of events.

This gesture from Taisia is not a coincidence but part of a growing trend among Ukrainian athletes.