Profielen
Oleksandr has ridden horses since he was a child, but did not seriously start participating in the sport until 1998. He became a professional rider in 2000, both competing and playing an active role in the Equestrian Federation of Ukraine.
In 2007 he was appointed Assistant Minister for Emergency Situations, specifically tasked with works to protect the public from the ongoing consequences of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. In 2012 he was elected a deputy of the Verkhovna Rada [Parliament] of Ukraine.
Oleksandr was President of the Equestrian Federation of Ukraine from 2002 to 2013. He was also coach and captain of the Ukraine team at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and took part in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
He is the founder and director of the philanthropic organisation Top Ukraine, which is aimed at promoting the development of sport, fashion, art and culture in Ukraine. One of his endeavours aims to fund and promote hippotherapy centres to aid injured people's physical recovery and help children with illnesses.
Fast Facts
Competed in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games
Competed in the 2014 World Championships