On Ukraine’s Independence Day, three Ukrainian veterans took on a symbolic sporting challenge by swimming across the Bosphorus. Two of the participants had leg amputations, yet despite the strong current they managed to cover the 6.5-kilometer distance from the Asian to the European shore.
According to the Superhumans Center for War Trauma, the veterans deliberately chose not to disclose their disabilities during registration, as they wanted to compete on equal terms with the other 2,800 athletes from around the world. This decision nearly put their participation at risk, but ultimately they were allowed to start and successfully completed the swim.
Among them was Pavlo Tovstyk, who returned to swimming just two months after losing his leg in a mine explosion and finished the course in 1 hour 23 minutes. Triathlete and veteran Oleh Tserkovnyi, who fought in battles and survived two concussions, completed the distance in 1 hour 24 minutes. Oleksandr Dashko, who lost his leg above the knee, crossed the Bosphorus in an hour and a half. Earlier this year, in April, he had already climbed to Everest Base Camp, and now added another achievement to his record.
Superhumans emphasized that this swim was not only about sport, but also about recovery after war, resilience, and a source of inspiration for society. The event was organized together with the NGO One for Another and the Capital TRI sports club.
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