“I pay my deepest respect to everybody who helps the people that need to be protected the most: the Ukrainian kids and their families,” he wrote. “I also want to do my small part and help.”
“It’s not easy to separate me from the biggest trophy I could win in my career but considering the fact that millions of people lost almost everything, it is something I really want to do.”
At least 4.3 million children displaced
Martin, who retired in 2021, was one of the best time-trial cyclists in the world during his career and won four world titles.
But it was his silver medal won during the time trial event at London 2012 that was the most special.
UNICEF’s statement added that 4.3 million children have been displaced, which represents more than half of Ukraine’s estimated 7.5 million child population.
This figure includes over 1.8 million children who have crossed into neighboring countries as refugees, and 2.5 million children who are also internally displaced in Ukraine, the statement said.
