Ukrainian Veteran Ivan Artyukh Wins Four Gold Medals at US Marine Corps Trials

Ukrainian veteran Ivan Artyukh, representing the Luhansk region, has secured four gold medals at the Air Force and Marine Corps Trials currently taking place at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California.

According to Suspilne Donbas on February 28, Artyukh achieved a clean sweep, winning gold in every swimming discipline he entered: the 100-meter freestyle, 50-meter freestyle, 50-meter backstroke, and 50-meter breaststroke.

“Yesterday was the swimming competition. I swam four distances... and took first place in all of them," Artyukh said in a comment to Suspilne. His participation in the games is not yet complete, as he is scheduled to compete in three additional categories: indoor rowing, cycling, and sitting volleyball.

Artyukh’s journey to the podium follows a distinguished military career. Originally from Luhansk region, he worked as an investigator for the National Police in Sievierodonetsk before the full-scale invasion. In 2022, he joined the “Lyut” assault brigade of the National Police, serving on the frontlines during the Kharkiv counteroffensive and in the intense battles for Lyman and Bakhmut.

As reported by Suspilne, in the spring of 2024, Artyukh was wounded in Chasiv Yar. Following a year of treatment and rehabilitation, he completed his service in 2025.

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Life in Ukraine

Golfing in Prosthetics? Even War Wounds Can’t Stop the Players in Ukraine

Aug 12, 2025 17:58

The resilience of Ukrainian veterans extends beyond individual achievements in North America to collective success on the European stage.

As reported by the 30th Marine Corps of the Ukrainian Navy, in August 25, veterans Denys Chabanov and Ihor Iliushkin both earned gold medals at the Strong Spirit’s Games in Madrid. Their success in Madrid serves as a testament to the endurance of Ukrainian service members, demonstrating that their strength remains formidable well after leaving the battlefield.

Earlier, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced the opening of “Human Titans,” a new prosthetics center situated within one of the city's hospitals.

According to him, the facility is designed to offer advanced prosthetic services and comprehensive rehabilitation for both wounded military personnel and civilians.

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