Table of Contents
This video is a tribute to all Ukrainians who live with dignity and principle rather than bowing to terrorists who kill and destroy them and their land. That dignity is shared not only by Ukrainian adults but also by Ukrainian children who take a stand when necessary. In December 2024, 16- year-old Mariia Hnes, a Ukrainian karate champion, competed in Vienna, Austria against an athlete from terrorist russia. They both won medals and were expected to stand together on the podium and take a group photo. However, Mariya, whose father serves in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, chose instead to walk away, and her principled act of dignity was caught on video and became a viral moment of pride for Ukrainians everywhere.
In September, 2025, I was in Kyiv to film a music video with Mariia to inspire the world with the strength and honor of Ukrainians of all ages. We filmed the video over several days in Kyiv during some of the worst missile and drone attacks of the war. In the video, you can see us sheltering during one of those attacks. This video is being released on the fourth anniversary of the full-scale war along with a campaign to support the children of Ukrainian soldiers who participate in sports. We have created a website at UkrainianChampions.com to raise funds for the campaign that will be managed by my KelsieKimberlinFoundation.org website. All funds raised will be used to support the campaign and assist the children.
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Kelsie Kimberlin – Champ (Official Video)
They all want you to be on the sidelines
But you should not be sitting on the bench
I know just what can do about it
You have got to stand up once again
You’re a champion, they can never keep you down
You’re a winner, so don’t let ‘em keep you on the ground,
Get Up, Get Up
Once you’re leader of the race
You never wanna be in second place
Once you’re winner of the gold
You always wanna be the champ again
Once you’re number on top you
You never wanna drop to number two
Once you get the taste of winning
You don’t ever wanna lose again
Everybody’s trying to replace you
Say you’ve been already at the top
You just gotta look inside yourself now
There you’ll find the strength to carry on
Double chorus
You’re a champion
© Video Copyright February 24, 2026 by Kelsie Kimberlin ©
Audio Production
Produced by-Vasyl Tkach, Pedro Vengoechea, Brett Kimberlin
Mixed by-Liam Nolan
Mastered by-Stuart Hawkes
Studio Engineer-Steve Saches
Guitar-Danny Leonard
Bass-Matt Everhart
Keys-Brian Simms
Drums-Andy Hamburger
Vocals-Kelsie Kimberlin
Vocal Production Larry Friedman
Video Production
Director Producer DOP Pavlo Khomiuk
Assistant and DOP Daria Penkova
Actors Mariia Hnes, Maria Datsiuk
Costume Design Angelina Hrachova
Make Up Karina Mkrtchian, Angelina Hrchorva
Sound Design And Edit Pavlo Khomiuk
Colorist Haman Illia
Backstage Photographer Angelina Hrachova
Helper x Driver Nazar Reikin
Gaffer Maksym Makarenko
Key Grip Dmytro Makarenko
Video sourced from the social media channels of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine
