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 song release)
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
© 2026 Copyright by Kelsie Kimberlin ©
