Beleniuk wrestling for equality

There is nothing new about Ukrainian sports stars transitioning into politics. Current Kyiv mayor Vitaliy Klitschko, who entered the political arena in 2006 upon retiring from the ring, may be the most notable. Reigning Greco-Roman wrestling world champion Zhan Beleniuk, however, is blazing a new trail in his homeland. In July 2019 he became the first person of mixed race to be elected to Ukraine’s parliament. Unlike Klitschko, Beleniuk continues his sports career.