After losing her leg to a Russian missile attack, this 10-year-old Ukrainian gymnast is telling her story through dance
After Losing Her Leg: Sasha Paskal’s Dance of Freedom
Activelifezero.com – After losing her leg to a Russian missile attack at just ten years old, Sasha Paskal has emerged as one of Ukraine’s most inspiring young athletes. The rhythmic gymnast from Zatoka, a coastal village in the Odesa region, is currently touring Tokyo as part of her Dance of Freedom initiative. This global journey began four years ago when a devastating missile strike transformed her life forever.
The Missile That Changed Everything
It was a peaceful May morning in 2022 when Sasha and her mother Maria were preparing for a beach visit. Despite Russia’s ongoing invasion, that particular day brought no warning. Suddenly, a missile struck their home, reducing it to concrete rubble and twisted steel. After losing her leg in the attack, young Sasha lay beneath a massive slab while her arm was dislocated and her head bruised from the impact.
Maria described the harrowing moment to the Museum of Civilian Voices. “Our daughter was lying on her belly. A concrete slab, a very heavy and very large one, was lying on her leg,” she recalled. “Her arm was dislocated, so that her bones were seen, and her finger was hanging loose.”
After losing her leg, Sasha remained in a medically induced coma for fifteen days. Doctors eventually discovered that blood flow to her left leg had completely stopped, forcing them to amputate the limb to save her life.
Rebuilding Through Dance
While such a devastating injury might end many athletic careers, Sasha refused to let it define her future. After losing her leg, she spent seven months recovering and learning to walk with a prosthetic limb. Her determination never wavered, and she returned to rhythmic gymnastics training at her local gymnasium.
Just seven months later, she competed again—this time with a prosthetic leg. In a remarkable achievement, she won her first competition in Chornomorsk. “Gymnastics is one of the most important things in my life,” Sasha shared. “I like it very much. It’s my everyday opportunity to be fit and it’s my passion.”
From Local Hero to Global Ambassador
Sasha’s extraordinary resilience earned recognition from Ukraine’s highest leadership. President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska awarded her the prestigious “Future of Ukraine” state honor. Today, her story of overcoming adversity after losing her leg has carried her to nearly every corner of the world.
The Dance of Freedom Tour, organized by the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation alongside FC Shakhtar Donetsk, aims to share stories of Ukrainians whose lives have been transformed by war. The initiative also celebrates the upcoming 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence on August 24, connecting Sasha’s personal narrative to the nation’s broader struggle for liberty.
Over the previous fortnight, Sasha performed in Paris, New York’s Times Square, Rio de Janeiro, and Nairobi before reaching Japan. She uses dance as a universal medium to communicate both her personal journey and her country’s experience.
FAQ: Sasha Paskal’s Journey
How old is Sasha Paskal? Sasha Paskal is ten years old as of 2026.
Where did the missile attack occur? The attack happened in Zatoka, a coastal village in southwestern Ukraine’s Odesa region.
What honor did Sasha receive? She was awarded the “Future of Ukraine” state honor by President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska.
What is the Dance of Freedom Tour? It is a worldwide initiative organized by the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation and FC Shakhtar Donetsk that showcases Ukrainian stories of resilience.
How long was Sasha in a coma? After losing her leg, she remained in a medically induced coma for fifteen days while doctors treated her injuries.
When did Sasha return to competition? She returned to rhythmic gymnastics seven months after her recovery and won her first competition in Chornomorsk.
