The 42-year-old, a member of World Athletics' ruling Council, reflected on the 2008 Beijing Olympics as one of the brightest moments of her life, yet emphasised the unique significance of the Paris edition for Ukraine, as the country is at war.

Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, nearly 500 coaches and athletes have been killed, and much of Ukraine's sporting infrastructure has been destroyed. Dobrynska, who also serves as vice-president of the Ukrainian athletics federation, expressed that medals in track and field would be welcome.

The new women's high jump world record holder, Yaroslava Mahuchikh, stands as Ukraine's biggest hope for gold. However, Dobrynska believes that merely participating in Paris sends a powerful message.

"Right now, every Ukrainian athlete embodies the pain and horror that our country and our people are experiencing," she said. "Every athlete representing Ukraine does so not only for themselves but to let the world know that we are unbroken, to make sure the world hears what is happening in the heart of Europe, and responds."

Dobrynska, who left Ukraine after the invasion to care for her three young children, acknowledged the immense stress faced by the current generation of athletes. "I feel all the pain and strength of our athletes," she said. "I know how much emotion, stress, and tension they endure, yet they continue to train and achieve high results. They all think about their families, loved ones, and friends who are constantly under threat in Ukraine."

Reflecting on her past, Dobrynska mentioned her candidacy for the pro-Russia Party of Regions in the 2012 elections, which she described as "my small mistake" but a "good experience" given the subsequent events. She lauded the significant achievement of Ukrainian athletes simply being able to compete in Paris, crediting external support for their preparations, such as training in Slovakia for last year's world athletics championships.

She hopes these efforts will be rewarded when the track and field events begin, and noted that these events will be free of Russian and Belarusian competitors due to a ban by World Athletics. Sporting victories, like Oleksandr Usyk's defeat of Tyson Fury to become the first heavyweight boxer to hold the IBF, WBO, WBA, and WBC belts on a split decision in Saudi Arabia in May, have been credited with boosting morale in Ukraine.

"Our incredible athletes train and dream of seeing our flag fly high at the Olympics, to give the people of Ukraine moments of joy and distraction from the war," she said. "Even though it is impossible to fully escape from it. Our athletes are dedicated, brave, and determined."