A stunning media maelstrom has centred on Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk. According to a September 19 story by the Spanish daily Marca, the Ukrainian is reportedly preparing to switch from football to athletics and represent Ukraine at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
The 24-year-old winger, who was eliminated due to a positive doping test last year, is reportedly practicing with Ukrainian sprinters at the moment, according to Spanish newspapers. According to their report, Mudryk wants to compete in short-distance events and represent his nation with medals.
The following explanation was even included in the article:
The sports community was shocked to learn that Mudryk had exchanged a soccer ball for running spikes. The 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles are his target. He apparently wants to turn his speed into Olympic gold after hitting 36.67 km/h on his Chelsea debut. He is allegedly training with the Ukrainian sprint team under the supervision of previous Olympians following a doping controversy.
Olympic scandal involving Mudryk reaches surprising conclusion
The report was quickly shown to be a fabrication. Journalists rely on unconfirmed social media posts in their pursuit of a big story.
A picture of Mudryk on the track and field starting line—actually taken in 2024 while on an accidental visit to a sprinters’ camp—acted as the impetus. He never really intended to alter the sport.
However, the myth was spread by a number of football-related Twitter and Facebook groups, which misidentified dates and incorrectly referred to the “2026 Olympics”.
In conclusion, meldonium was discovered in Mudryk’s system in December 2024, causing him to fail a doping test. The Football Association (FA) accused him of breaking anti-doping regulations by June 2025, which may result in a four-year suspension. Marca’s complimentary piece ultimately proved to be nothing more than unfounded hype.
