Irini says it was a colossal stress to escape the war with two children and come to a new country without having a job or knowing the language.
"It's instinct that makes you survive. You must not give up, no matter how hard it is, she says to SVT Norrbotten.
Many balls in the air
Now, just over a year after fleeing, Irini works at Systembolaget in Haparanda and is learning Swedish. She also helps as a coach in the local wrestling club Haparanda Sportklubb/Taktik (HSKT).
"I have many friends in the wrestling circle who help my family and many other Ukrainians in Haparanda. My boss at work supports me and tells me not to just think about the war. A support I really feel, she says.
The son returned to Ukraine
Irini Merleni came to Haparanda with her two sons and her mother. But after only two months, the mother and eldest son Artur decided to return to Ukraine. The loss is enormous.
"He's at a difficult age. He's a teenager and wants more independence, but as a mother I'm very worried about him," says Irini.
Celebrating the homeland's defense
Today, 41-year-old Irini Merleni is big in Ukraine. Her track record is long and during her active wrestling career she won gold at all major championships (Olympics, World Championships and European Championships).
"My successes are nothing compared to what the Ukrainian army and the Ukrainian people are doing right now.
Over one has passed since she came to Haparanda. She hopes that the war will soon be over and until then she will put energy and energy into the younger generation.
She is proud of her students' and youngest son Adam's progress on the wrestling mat.
"When we were at competitions in Norway and Finland, several guys won medals.
In the clip, Irini tells how the war has affected her – and you get to follow along as the champion holds a training session.