Stadnik is married to Andriy Stadnik, with whom she has one son and one daughter. She speaks both Russian and Ukrainian. Her husband, along with her coach Orest Kobelsky and her children, have been the most influential people in her career.

Achievements and Honours

Stadnik has been named among the Best Athletes of the Year in Azerbaijan in 2015 and 2019. She received the Order for Service to the Fatherland [second class] for her silver medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, she was awarded the Shohrat [Glory] Order for her gold medal at the 2015 European Games in Baku.

Olympic Milestones

Stadnik became the first athlete representing Azerbaijan to win three Olympic medals when she secured silver at the 2016 Olympic Games. Fellow Azerbaijani wrestler Khetag Goziumov also achieved this feat a few days later.

Family of Wrestlers

Her husband Andriy Stadnik won a silver medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. Her sister-in-law Yana Rattigan has represented Great Britain in freestyle wrestling at international levels. Another sister-in-law, Alina Stadnik-Makhinya, competed for Ukraine at the 2016 Olympic Games.

Ambitions and Future Plans

Stadnik aims to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games. She hopes to complete her collection of Olympic medals with a gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. After her competitive career, she plans to open a wrestling school and leave a lasting legacy in wrestling history.

Switch from Ukraine to Azerbaijan

Stadnik switched from representing Ukraine to Azerbaijan in 2007 due to conflicts with the Ukrainian team. The Azerbaijani team was recruiting women wrestlers at that time, and she accepted their proposal after considering all options.

Doping Sanction

In April 2006, while representing Ukraine, Stadnik tested positive for furosemide at the European championships in Moscow. Initially suspended for one year by FILA (now UWW), this was later increased to two years. Further investigation revealed that her teammate had spiked her water bottle, leading to multiple appeals and a reduction of the suspension to 15 months.

However, WADA appealed this reduction to CAS, which reinstated the two-year suspension backdated from April 2006 to April 2008. All results obtained during this period were disqualified. Stadnik's appeal against CAS's decision was unsuccessful.

Mariya Stadnik's journey is marked by numerous achievements and challenges. Her dedication to wrestling continues as she aims for future success and plans to contribute to the sport through coaching.