In Vancouver, British Columbia, a group of Ukrainian veterans, many of whom were injured in the brutal conflict with Russia, are redefining their lives through sports. They are not just survivors of a war—they are warriors of a different kind now, competing at the Invictus Games, an event that celebrates resilience, rehabilitation, and the power of teamwork.
One of the standout figures among these veterans is Oleksii Tiunin, a 37-year-old former soldier who lost his leg during a fierce battle near Andriivka, in the Donetsk region, in August 2023. A member of Ukraine’s 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, Tiunin faced some of the most intense fighting against Russian forces. After being wounded by enemy fire and facing delays in evacuation, he was forced to amputate his leg. Yet, Tiunin’s journey is one of strength and recovery. Now, a TV presenter in his adopted home of Canada, Tiunin captained the Ukrainian team at the 2025 Invictus Games, which took place in Vancouver and Whistler.
Reflecting on his journey, Tiunin admitted, “If someone had told me during my rehabilitation about such an event as these games, I would not have believed it was possible at first.” But he has proven that belief can transcend adversity. Tiunin’s story is one of transformation—moving from the front lines of war to a sports arena where strength is defined not just by physicality, but by spirit.
In February 2025, Tiunin led a Ukrainian delegation to the Invictus Games, which included the largest-ever Ukrainian team. Despite the immense challenges they’ve faced, the Ukrainian squad finished in fourth place in the overall medal tally, winning 30 medals, including 12 golds. Their performance was a testament to their resilience and dedication. The U.S. team led with 53 medals, followed by the United Kingdom with 38 and Australia with 36, but Ukraine’s 12 gold medals highlighted their determination to shine despite the war’s ongoing toll on their lives.
Tiunin’s perspective on the event is telling: “We came here to have fun and show the strength of Ukrainian people, get some medals, meet new people, chat with them, enjoy sightseeing and relax.” His sentiment captures the essence of the Invictus Games—while winning is important, the experience goes beyond just the competition. For these Ukrainian veterans, it’s about reclaiming their lives, proving their worth, and basking in the respect of fellow competitors and spectators.
The reception they received was particularly moving. The Ukrainian team was met with an outpouring of support, both from the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada and local Canadians. Tiunin noted that the support wasn’t just limited to the Ukrainian community but was felt throughout the streets of Vancouver. “Each of us got much more out of this trip than we expected,” he said, acknowledging the warmth they felt from both Canadians and international participants. “The attitude toward us was special. People understand that a brutal war is currently going on in our country, and if we take into account other participants of the games, none of them was involved in such a war as we, Ukrainians are.”
This war, which began over three years ago with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has left nearly 400,000 Ukrainian soldiers wounded, many unable to return to the front lines. The toll of war is immeasurable, but for these veterans, events like the Invictus Games provide a space to reclaim their lives and their identities.
One such individual is Serhii Hordiievych, 38, a Ukrainian veteran who claimed a gold medal in alpine skiing at the 2025 Invictus Games in Whistler. Originally from the Volyn region in western Ukraine, Hordiievych had been a physical education teacher before the war. He later worked as a repairman in France before joining the military. After his injuries, sports became a channel for Hordiievych to regain both his physical strength and his sense of purpose. His triumph at the Invictus Games is symbolic—not only of his personal victory over injury but of the broader strength of Ukraine’s military and its people.
The story of these Ukrainian veterans is not just one of hardship, but one of unyielding resilience. Their experiences at the Invictus Games illustrate that rehabilitation is as much about mental strength and teamwork as it is about physical recovery. Each medal won by the Ukrainian team represents not just an individual achievement, but the collective strength of a nation at war and the indomitable spirit of its people.
As the war continues to unfold, Ukraine’s wounded soldiers continue to heal and redefine their lives in new ways. For Tiunin, Hordiievych, and their teammates, sports have become a powerful form of rehabilitation, allowing them to connect with others and showcase the resilience of the Ukrainian people. These veterans are no longer defined solely by their injuries, but by their ability to overcome adversity and thrive in the face of challenges.
In Vancouver and Whistler, where snow-capped mountains meet the Pacific coastline, the Invictus Games served as a powerful reminder of the human capacity for recovery and reinvention. For the injured Ukrainian veterans, the Games were more than just a competition—they were a stage to tell the world that even in the midst of war, the spirit of the Ukrainian people remains unbroken.
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