Uladzislau Hancharou
A Belarusian trampolinist who launched himself to Olympic gold with a gravity-defying display of power and precision in Rio.
Born 1995 (age 31)·Belarusian trampoline gymnast·Birthday: December 2·Millennials
Biography
Uladzislau Hancharou didn't just bounce; he redefined the aerial geometry of his sport. Emerging from Belarus, a nation with a strong trampoline tradition, Hancharou announced himself on the world stage not with gradual steps but with a spectacular vault to the top. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, his routines were a masterclass in controlled explosion—immaculate form married to breathtaking height. That gold medal was the centerpiece of a career built on both individual brilliance and seamless partnership. With longtime teammate Aleh Rabtsau, he formed one of the most synchronized duos in history, their mirrored movements earning multiple world titles. Even as younger challengers emerged, Hancharou remained a formidable force, his fourth-place finish in Tokyo a testament to his enduring elite status in a sport where careers can be as fleeting as flight time.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Uladzislau was born in 1995, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Uladzislau Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Uladzislau's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2008Became a teenager
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Olympic gold medal in the individual trampoline event at the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.
- Captured the World Championship title in synchronized trampoline twice, in 2015 and 2017, with partner Aleh Rabtsau.
- Secured the European individual trampoline championship twice, in 2015 and 2018.
- Earned two European synchronized trampoline titles alongside Aleh Rabtsau.
Did You Know?
His victory at the 2016 Olympics was Belarus's first gold medal of those Games.
He is known for his exceptionally high jumps, often reaching heights over 8 meters (26 feet) during routines.
He has earned the nickname 'The Rocket' from commentators and fans for his powerful launches.
“In trampoline, you are an artist and an engineer of your own flight.”
