With a Song from the Frontlines and a Father’s Encouragement, Kyrylo Marsak Brings Hope to Ukraine
In the emotionally charged atmosphere of the Peurunka arena in Finland, 21-year-old figure skater Kyrylo Marsak radiates hope, soaring above the war-torn struggles in his homeland. Practicing to Andrea and Matteo Bocelli’s heartfelt ballad “Fall on Me,” Marsak cherishes an unbreakable bond with his father, Andriy, stationed thousands of kilometers away along the Ukrainian frontline.
“This is a very important program for me, to express all my love and support for my dad,” Marsak declared as he prepared for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games. The poignant lyrics resonate deeply with him, serving as a poignant reminder of the struggle they endure. Marsak’s courage earned Ukraine an Olympic quota during the ISU Skate to Milano Figure Skating Qualifier in Beijing this past September—a historic moment for Ukrainian figure skating.
The Marsak family, now widely dispersed due to rising hostilities, last reunited at the Ukrainian national championships. Andriy, who embraced the role of soldier, sparred against conflicts both on and off the ice. “That trip most likely saved him,” Kyrylo acknowledged, recalling a tragic attack that befell his father’s unit.
Despite living in the safety of Finland, pressures weigh heavily on Marsak. His home city of Kherson continues to experience air strikes, not sparing places deeply rooted in his life. Kyrylo shared, “Living with a steady barrage of unsettling news… it’s really hard to process all of this.” Yet, he transforms this turmoil into creative energy. His short program highlights the emotional narrative of the father-son connection; his free skate dives deeper into the war’s fatigue.
Marsak’s journey through figure skating has emerged as a form of therapy. “On the ice, you have that opportunity to disconnect and express yourself,” he claimed, exuding a sense of transcendence. With his days meticulously planned under the guidance of coach Alina Mayer-Virtanen, he has also found familial support in Finland, an essential source of warmth during this bitterly cold period.
As they fight their own battles this season, both Kyrylo and Andriy Marsak don the Ukrainian flag, standing strong amid devastation. United by melodies and motivations, their story inspires resilience and hope for those enduring conflict across the globe.
