A photojournalist captured the stories of children in Ukraine before the war as part of a feature in the Sports Illustrated magazine. Now, the images tell a tragic tale of lives shattered amid the conflict.
Photographer David Guttenfelder spent time with three families in Ukraine in 2021 for a feature in Sports Illustrated magazine. He captured the faces of young athletes training in the serene landscapes of the country.
Those images, published in December 2021, now serve as a poignant reminder of the carefree lives these children led before the war.
The same children photographed a year earlier are now seen in heartbreaking images, their faces etched with fear and trauma. Their homes have been destroyed, and their families have been torn apart.
One of the most striking images is that of 13-year-old Kristina, a rhythmic gymnast who dreamt of representing Ukraine at the Olympics. In the pre-war photo, she is captured in motion, her body graceful as she executes a perfect split. In the more recent image, she is seen standing amidst the ruins of her home, a haunting symbol of the devastation the war has wrought.
Another image shows 11-year-old Matvii, a judoka who aspired to be a champion. In the earlier photo, he is seen practicing his moves with determination. Now, he is seen clutching a stuffed animal, his face etched with the pain of loss.
These images serve as a powerful indictment of the war and the devastating impact it has on innocent lives. They highlight the urgent need for an end to the conflict and a return to peace for the children of Ukraine.
We must not forget the faces of these children and the stories they tell. We must continue to raise our voices and demand an end to the war in Ukraine.
Please consider donating to organizations providing aid to the people of Ukraine.
[1] https://news.google.com/articles/CBMiiwFodHRwczovL3d3dy5zcG9ydHNrZWVkYS5jb20vdGVubmlzL25ld3MtaW4tcGljdHVyZXMtc2VyZW5hLXdpbGxpYW1zLXByb3VkbHktZmxhdW50cy1zZXJlbmEtd2lsbGlhbXMtZGVzaWduLWNyZXctcy1sYXRlc3QtZmFzaGlvbi1jb2xsZWN0aW9u0gEA?hl=zh-CN&gl=CN&ceid=CN%3Azh-Hans
[2] https://www.si.com/olympics/2023/03/08/ukraine-war-anniversary-faces-children-devastation.
