Orono, Maine -- Moving to the United States at sixteen years old coming from the Ukraine to get an education while competing at the collegiate level was a dream that Viktoriya Rybalko was able to make into a reality.

Rybalko was a track and field athlete at the University of Maine who also had the honor of being a 'M Club' Dean Smith Award recipient. Her accomplishments did not end there as she also had a chance to compete in the Olympics. Rybalko also continued her education to receive her PhD and now works as a medical science liaison with a focus in hematology.

Once Rybalko graduated from UMaine she immediately moved on to start her PhD. Rybalko knew this is something she always wanted to do as cancer and immunology have always been an interest of hers.

"Immunology was my passion when I was in school and I really wanted to tie that into oncology because ever since I was a kid and had my first biology class I always thought I would end up in the oncology field so that was important to me."

Now three years into the schooling for her PhD Rybalko receives a call from the Ukraine telling her that they would be honored to have her come join their olympic team. However, this would mean giving up all she has worked towards for her degree and go back to living in the Ukraine.

Rybalko sat down with her graduate school mentor at the time who was able to talk with Vika about this not so easy decision. After contemplating Rybalko decided to take a leave of absence from graduate school and to give it her best shot at the Olympics. This now meant spending all of 2007 preparing for the 2008 Olympic games. Adjusting to living back in the Ukraine certainly took some time.

"I have been in the US since I was 16 when I came to college originally. By the time going back I was 21 so I spent those most important years of my life in the US. So it was tough for me to assimilate back and make Ukraine friends and be a part of that team."

Living in the Ukraine was not the only new adjustment but track as a whole became slightly different as the jumping styles varied from the U.S to Ukraine. Learning to adapt to all these new challenges is something Rybalko is glad she could do. This experience allowed her to travel, meet some amazing coaches and teammates, and all while getting a chance to accomplish a childhood dream of being in the Olympics. Now two weeks before her competition date Rybalko suffered an injury. She still managed to power through and compete, giving it her best shot. After this she decided it wasn't time to go back to the U.S just yet as she felt her work was not done.

"I decided to stay for a couple more years of completely being focused on track. I had ups and downs, some additional injuries. But nevertheless I was being stubborn and I stayed from 2007 - 2010 in the Ukraine."

Although track was something Rybalko loved and all the opportunities it gave her, as time went on she wanted to finish her education and be able to get out there in the medical field. This choice became easier to make when Rybalko found out after competing in the 2012 Olympics that she was actually pregnant with a baby girl who is now named Nika which is a Russian version of Nike, with her name holding a powerful meaning.

"I was jumping with her in the London 2012 Olympics so I named her after the goddess of victory on the Olympic medals and she loves that now!"

Rybalko made her way back to the U.S to finish up her PhD efforts. Her real goal was then to find a way to tie all of her passions into one. This means combining sports with her love of medicine. Muscle regeneration processes such as speeding up muscle regeneration after injury was something that became of interest.

Rybalko is proud of everything she has accomplished and is happy with where she stands in her career. She does however describe a certain feeling that track could bring her that she certainly misses.

"I love the feeling when you are on the top of your game when you're conditioned and strong where it makes you feel like a superwoman who can do anything."

Rybalko's time as a student athlete at UMaine was a part of the foundation of her track career and life in the U.S. She met amazing teammates and coaches and was a part of an atmosphere that made her feel welcome. She describes making memories and certain feelings that have stuck with her throughout her entire career.

"The adrenaline rush every time you get every time you win an event. I still remember winning some New England Championships and the elation that everyone experiences. The team spirit is something that always stays with you."

Education was the other most important thing in Rybalko's life and was something she took seriously. Keeping high academics while also staying sharp on the track certainly wasn't easy but Rybalko found ways to make it manageable.

"If you want something really bad, commitment and goal setting is what it takes. Time management is also important because a lot of student athletes have to work for example, so then juggling your sports, academics, and job is difficult. Work ethic is another thing where if you're doing something, always commit 100%."

Through all of the travels, schooling, and track, she certainly found a way to create many memories and teach herself many lessons. Rybalko offered some advice to young adults today whether they are student athletes or not. She felt this one simple lesson is something that will help anyone who is listening.

"To love what you do. Whatever major you are and whatever you do in life make sure you are passionate about it."
 

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The 'M' Club Dean Smith award is the most prestigious award presented annually to the top male and female student-athletes at the University of Maine. To be considered for this award, athletes are nominated by their coaches and must have demonstrated outstanding academic and athletic achievement, be of outstanding character and a contributor and leader within their community.

Since 102 University of Maine varsity letter winners gathered for the first meeting of the Graduate M Club in 1932, more than 13,000 recipients of the coveted "M" have joined the club. In the ensuing nine decades, each year hundreds of "M" winners pay their dues to become active members of the M Club and to help support current Black Bears.

For questions or to get involved in M Club activities, please contact Ashley Twombly '10, '12G, the Alumni Association liaison with the M Club, at (207) 581-1144.