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Ukrainian war veterans complete Bosphorus swim, two with amputated legs finish under 90 minutes
Ukrainian veterans completed the 6.5-kilometer Bosphorus swim from Asia to Europe on Independence Day, with two participants who had amputated limbs finishing among the 2,800 competitors, the Superhumans center reported.
The Superhuman Centre is a rehabilitation center where wounded soldiers are treated. Opened in 2023, the facility offers reconstructive surgery, hearing restoration, psychological support, and rehabilitation. It also operates its own prosthetics lab, which tailors customized prostheses from scratch to meet each patient’s needs.
Pavlo, who lost his leg in a mine explosion, completed the swim in 1 hour and 23 minutes. Triathlete Oleh, who survived combat and two concussions, finished in 1 hour and 24 minutes. Oleksandr, whose leg was amputated above the knee, completed the distance in 1 hour and 30 minutes. In April, Oleksandr also climbed to Everest base camp.
The veterans deliberately did not disclose their disabilities during registration, according to Superhumans. The center explains this decision was driven by principle – the Ukrainians wanted to compete on equal terms with able-bodied participants.
“They could have been disqualified even a day before the start, and now we admire their results!” the center stated.
The Bosphorus cross-continental swim attracts thousands of participants annually, with swimmers crossing the strait that divides Europe and Asia in Istanbul, Türkiye.
