'I have something to share': Ex-Olympian from Kyiv to teach agility classes in Cork

A FORMER Olympian, who came to Cork as a refugee and dreams of staying, has begun teaching flexibility and agility classes in the city.

Dasha Sologub came to Ireland more than two years ago, arriving in Cork in April, 2022, two months after Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

She left her home a month after the bombing began, traumatised, heading first to Poland and then to Spain to stay a fortnight with a friend.

“I just texted her and I said: ‘I have no idea where to go, I am just with my backpack, I don’t know what to do’,” she told The Echo.

Her friend’s husband comes from Cork, and he felt she would like life here.

They helped her with the move, and she stayed initially in Blarney, where she volunteered in the local GAA club, helping fellow Ukrainians arriving in the first wave of refugees fleeing the war.

A native of Kyiv, Dasha was a professional athlete in her old life, representing her country in rhythmic gymnastics internationally at European championships and, at the age of 18, as a dancer, cheerleader, and choreographer at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“That was my biggest achievement, I remember how we prepared and it was so difficult.

“I’m still so proud that I really committed and I did this, but that was so tough,” she says.

Dasha has returned home twice in the past two years, a two-day trek necessitating a bus trip to Dublin, a flight to Poland, and a train journey across Ukraine.

She describes visiting Kyiv as very difficult, with the sound of air raid sirens bringing back the trauma of the first days of the invasion and impacting negatively on her mental health.

The former Olympian’s family is still in Kyiv, living what in she describes as “a horror movie”.

Dasha struggles with not being there for her family, but said she is grateful to live in a time of mobile phones and internet.

“I think it was a very good decision that I moved to Cork, I don’t even regret for a second that I moved to Ireland, I have a lot of friends here. I like the culture here, and I think Ireland is the best country in all of Europe to support Ukrainians,” she says.

She has worked in Ballincollig Gymnastics Club for over a year, teaching young people stretching, choreography, and dance.

“I work with a very good team of coaches, all of them very supportive,” she says.

Although rhythmic gymnastics is not so well-known in Ireland, it is a national sport in Ukraine, and Dasha has worked across Europe, Japan, and the U.S as a choreographer and coach.

“I have good experience, and I have something to share with Irish clubs and Irish kids.”

Now, after two years in Ireland, Dasha says she feels ready to teach flexibility and agility classes again, something she did in Kyiv.

“In Ukraine, I had stretching classes for adults, helping them with improving their flexibility and posture, relieving their back pain and pain in joints.

“I’ve worked at Dynamo Kyiv, providing stretching classes because it helps to prevent injuries.

“In Ukraine, it’s a huge thing. Here in Ireland, yoga and pilates are massive, but stretching, no.

“In my experience, it’s something that all people need.”

Dasha’s flexibility and agility classes will take place at 11, Academy Street, from 10.30am to 11.20am, beginning on May 18 and running for eight weeks.

Spaces are limited, so it is advised to book in advance.

For further information, contact stretchingwithdasha@gmail.com or on Instagram: @Dasha_sologub_.