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Oksana ZubkovskayaUkrainian track and field athlete
Date of Birth: 15.01.1987
Country:  Ukraine |
Content:
Early Life and Education
Oksana Zubkovska, a renowned Ukrainian para-athlete, was born in Mena, Ukraine. Her journey into athletics began after attending a school meeting where she met Nadiya Taratukhina, a coach from the "Kolos" sports club. Prior to this, Zubkovska pursued dance and woodworking.
For four years, she trained under the guidance of Natalia Taratukhina, excelling in both high jump and long jump. By her senior year of high school, she had already qualified for the Candidate Master of Sports and set a regional record in high jump (1.75m). She subsequently improved her record to an impressive 1.83m.
Career Breakthrough and Para-Athletics
Zubkovska's breakthrough came with her victory in long jump at the All-Ukrainian Rural Sports Games. Following this triumph, coach Valery Gryadunov invited her to study at the Brovary Sports Boarding School. She accepted, seeking optimal training conditions.
During her time at the boarding school and the Brovary Higher College of Physical Culture and Sports, Zubkovska specialized in high jump, winning the Ukrainian championship. She also earned a third-place finish in long jump.
International Success
Despite an initial setback due to her vision, Zubkovska eventually gained admission to the National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine. In 2007, she claimed gold in long jump at the World Championships in Brazil, earning the title of Master of Sports of International Class.
At the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, Zubkovska triumphed in long jump, setting a world record of 6.28m. She repeated her success at the 2012 London Paralympics, extending the record to an astounding 6.60m. Additionally, she secured three more gold medals in long jump at the World Championships in Turkey (2011), France (2013), and Qatar (2015).
Personal Life
Following the Beijing Paralympics, Zubkovska married Taras, an acrobat. They have a son named Ivan. When Zubkovska was preparing for the London Games, her mother, Larisa Nikolaevna, provided unwavering support by caring for her son.
