Ukrainian Olympic medalists from Mexico City 1968 and Seoul 1988 were given gifts at a ceremony organised by the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine ©NOCU

Ukrainian medalists from the 1968 and 1988 Olympic Games in Mexico City and Seoul respectively were given gifts at a special ceremony organised by the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine and its President Sergey Bubka. 

The "Olympic Jubilee" ceremony celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Mexico City 1968 and the 30th anniversary of Seoul 1988, when Ukrainian athletes competed as part of the Soviet Union team. 

Ukrainian won 35 medals at Mexico City, made up of 14 gold, 10 silver and 11 bronze, in the Soviet Union's overall total of 91 medals. 

They got 62 medals at Seoul 1988 - 22 gold, 16 silver and 24 bronze - as the Soviet Union finished top overall with a total of 132 medals, including 55 gold, in what was their final appearance at the Olympic Games.

"It is a great honor to have everyone who represented our native land with dignity at the most prestigious competition on the planet," Bubka said. 

"These achievements are forever inscribed in the history of world sports."

Sergey Bubka was among the athletes from Ukraine who won an Olympic gold competing for the Soviet Union at Seoul 1988 as they finished top of the medals table at their final appearance in the Games ©Getty Image
Sergey Bubka was among the athletes from Ukraine who won an Olympic gold competing for the Soviet Union at Seoul 1988 as they finished top of the medals table at their final appearance in the Games ©Getty Image

Bubka was himself a pole vault gold medalist at Seoul 1988 and represented International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach at a 30th anniversary ceremony in the South Korean capital earlier this year.

"The NOC of Ukraine deeply appreciates and remembers our legendary, successful Olympians," Bubka said.

"We want these traditions to live with future generations."

The athletes were also shown photos and videos of their Olympic performances and played music popular at the time of the Games. 

The Ukrainian Olympians Association Assembly met in the evening to discuss issues such as the role of Olympians in society and Olympic heritage.

Nina Umanets, an Olympic medalist in rowing in 1980, was re-elected as the President of the Association for the period 2019 to 2022.