A group of eight Ukrainian athletes with disabilities, shaped by the hardships of the Russia-Ukraine war, shattered the world power record last Sunday. Seven of them compete with prosthetics that reflect the front-line toll. The record-claiming test took place on the final day of Arnold Classic Europe, an event hosted at Caja Mágica in Madrid and named in tribute to Arnold Schwarzenegger, the iconic actor, politician, and bodybuilder.
This international sports festival welcomes hundreds of athletes each year, drawing in global brands and spectators alike. The Ukrainian delegation managed to break the world record by pulling four trucks weighing a total of 35 tons.
‘Castles of Ukraine’ — a competition that crosses borders
‘Strong Ukraine’ was the first sports event adapted for veterans and disabled athletes who sustained severe injuries during the war. From more than 400 competitors, eight of the strongest athletes were selected to challenge the power record at Arnold Classic Europe, held this year in Madrid, the capital of Spain.
These eight former servicemen are united under the banner of ‘Castles of Ukraine.’ The mission is to spotlight sports rehabilitation for athletes who were injured in war and to affirm their right to compete internationally.
“This is incredibly motivating and acts as the best medicine for our recovery because no one else on the planet has achieved this,” explained Artem Marchenko, one of the record-breakers, in a remark reported by the SPAIN NEWSPAPER [attribution provided].
The story behind the Ukrainian team
The Ukrainian lineup that set the world power record includes the following athletes (listed from left to right):
- Artem Pohoriliy (Poltava) — a senior soldier in the Ground Forces of Ukraine who sustained a left lower-leg injury during a firefight in the Donetsk region.
- V’yacheslav Tsyukh (Kyiv) — First Rank captain in the Armed Engineering Forces who endured a mine explosion, resulting in loss of his right leg.
- Yevhen Smaga (Chernihiv) — sergeant in the 1st Tank Brigade who suffered injuries to both lower extremities while defending Chernihiv.
- Vladyslav Shatilo (Chernihiv) — a 105th Border Unit member who lost his left lower limb to a mine explosion in the Donetsk region.
- Artem Marchenko (Sumy) — Staff Sergeant in the Armed Forces who endured fractures to his right upper limb during a shelling in the Donetsk region.
- Oleksandr Shvachka (Kyiv) — a veteran who lost his left lower limb after a tank explosion near Makariv following battles.
- Mykhailo Drobotenko (Kropivnitskyi) — sergeant commander of Ukraine’s Land Forces who sustained injuries to both lower limbs during a reconnaissance mission in Lugansk.
- Denis Barchuk (Brovary) — petty officer in the Air Force who suffered a gunshot wound to a lower extremity during bombardment.
Resolve and anticipation
“I’m certain we will achieve it,” said Marchenko before the test began. The Ukrainian fans echoed the same sentiment, promising steadfast support as the team prepared to push the record beyond the previous mark. The athletes trained intensely since arriving in Madrid on October 11, the day before Arnold Classic Europe commenced.
Under the chorus of cheering from compatriots, the eight veterans gathered on plaques, leaned into the rope, and pulled with synchronized power, dragging four trucks totaling 35 tons. They advanced about 17 meters in 35 seconds, displaying a unity that extended beyond physical strength. Marchenko described the moment as a blend of inner emotion and focus on the track, noting that the roar of his teammates drowned out everything else.
“I felt a flood of emotions during the test, but we stayed locked onto the track. I could hear nothing but my team,” he reflected after the record was broken.
The event that sparked a new resolve
Public recognition followed the record, as dozens of Ukrainians converged near the track, waving their country’s flags and singing the National Anthem in a show of solidarity and resilience. The moment underscored a broader message: these eight war veterans have not only shattered a record for strength but also demonstrated a powerful example of perseverance after trauma. Their achievement marks an important step toward broader participation in international competitions and a renewed emphasis on sports rehabilitation for athletes affected by war.
“It’s inspiring to see the strength they carry despite everything they’ve endured. They continue to fight to show how strong our country is and how far we can go,” remarked a supporter at the event. Madrid still rang with voices that Sunday, as the world watched the resilience of these eight athletes and the unyielding spirit of Ukraine.