Born: 1986 (Lviv, Ukraine)
Biography:
Yana Volodymyrivna Shemyakina (Ukrainian: Яна Володимирівна Шемякіна; born 5 January 1986) is a Ukrainian right-handed épée fencer, three-time Olympian, and 2012 individual Olympic champion. Shemyakina competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the 2012 London Olympic Games, and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
Early years
Shemyakina was born and raised in Lviv, Ukraine. She is the second of a family of three children: she has a brother six years older than her, Vladimir, and a sister, Lyubov. Her family was not particularly into sports: her brother had tried a few swimming lessons but did not get into it.
Shemyakina first tried skiing at the age of nine. At the end of a lesson, after a few months’ training, she attempted a harder downhill course than she was used to, fell, and broke her leg. However, her absence had gone unnoticed, and she stayed alone in the snow for a long time, almost freezing, before she was found by chance and taken to the hospital.
Career
After Shemyakina recovered from her skiing accident, a friend suggested that she try fencing. She began training under Andriy Orlikovsky, who remains her coach as of 2015, and quickly took to the sport. She soon showed talent, winning the 2002 Cadet World Championships in Antalya.
Her parents were doubtful at first of their daughter’s sport ambitions, as they did not believe she could make a living off it. However, her coach encouraged her to go on, and she proved them wrong. Shemyakina went on to earn a silver medal at the 2003 and 2005 Junior Fencing Championships.
In the 2002–03 season, Shemyakina began fencing in the senior category. She climbed the podium at her second World Cup event with a bronze medal in Katowice. This result propelled her into the senior national team at the age of seventeen for the 2003 World Fencing Championships.
Shemyakina created a surprise at the 2005 European Championships by reaching the final after defeating Romania’s Iuliana Măceșeanu. She then prevailed over Hungary’s Hajnalka Tóth to win her first major title.
She continued her success at the 2007 Summer Universiade in Bangkok, where she won the individual event after defeating Israel’s Noam Mills. For this result, she was awarded the Ukrainian Order of Merit III degree by Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko.
A year later, she qualified for the 2008 Summer Olympics by reaching the final at the European zone qualifier held in Prague. Unfortunately, the 2008 European Championships held at home in Kiev were a major disappointment for Shemyakina, as she lost four pool bouts and did not qualify for the main table.
Despite this setback, Shemyakina persevered and made her Olympic debut in Beijing. However, she was defeated in the first round by Panama’s Jesika Jiménez. Undeterred, Shemyakina continued to train and improve her skills.
In the 2012 London Olympic Games, Shemyakina had her chance at redemption. She displayed exceptional skill and determination, defeating her opponents one by one, and ultimately winning the individual épée event. This victory solidified her place in history as an Olympic champion.
Shemyakina continued to compete in the sport, representing Ukraine in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. While she did not win a medal at this event, her dedication and perseverance throughout her career have made her a respected figure in the world of fencing.
Motivations and Inspirations
Shemyakina’s motivation and determination to succeed in fencing can be attributed to her love for the sport and her desire to prove herself. Despite initial doubts from her family, she showed immense talent and passion for fencing from a young age.
Her coach, Andriy Orlikovsky, also played a crucial role in motivating and inspiring Shemyakina. He recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue her dreams, instilling in her the belief that she could make a living off this sport.
Influence on Society
Yana Shemyakina’s achievements as a three-time Olympian and 2012 Olympic champion have had a significant impact on society, particularly in her native Ukraine. She has become a role model for aspiring young athletes, especially girls, who are inspired by her dedication, hard work, and ability to overcome challenges.
Shemyakina’s success in fencing has also brought attention to the sport in Ukraine, encouraging more people to take up fencing and promoting its popularity. Her achievements have raised the profile of Ukrainian athletes on the international stage and have been a source of national pride.
Role in Women’s History
Yana Shemyakina’s accomplishments in fencing have contributed to the rich history of women in sports. She has proven that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated sports, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes.
Her success as an Olympic champion has helped to inspire other female athletes to pursue their dreams and strive for greatness. Shemyakina’s determination and resilience serve as an inspiration to women around the world, showing them that with hard work and dedication, they can achieve their goals.
Awards:
– Olympic Gold Medal in Individual Épée Fencing (2012 London Olympic Games)
– Ukrainian Order of Merit III degree (2007)