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Ukrainian amputee veterans complete endurance race on Independence Day

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 2:02 PM

Last updated Aug 24, 2026

Ukrainian amputee veterans complete endurance race on Independence Day

Summary

Military amputees and war veterans in Ukraine marked Independence Day by finishing a challenging endurance race spanning over 1,500 kilometers. The event, known as Iron Week, was organized by three-time Olympic triathlete Danylo Sapunov and involved swimming, cycling, and running over seven days. Athletes concluded the competition at a lake near Kyiv, where they swam after removing prosthetics. This year's observance of Ukraine's 1991 independence is underscored by ongoing conflict with Russia, as European leaders joined President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in celebrations. Participants expressed pride in their resilience and commitment to the nation.

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By the Numbers

•Endurance race covered over 1,500 kilometers around Ukraine.
•Event was organized by Olympic triathlete Danylo Sapunov.
•Participants included military amputees and veterans.
•Race concluded at a lake outside Kyiv on Independence Day.
•European leaders attended celebrations with President Zelenskyy.

Latest Updates

2:02 PMYahoo Sports — Ukraine's amputee veterans celebrate independence day with grueling endurance challenge

What they're saying

"
Military amputees and war veterans in Ukraine marked Independence Day on Monday by finishing a grueling endurance race that took them more than 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) around the country. Known as Iron Week, the competition is led by three-time Olympic triathlete Danylo Sapunov, who supports veterans as the country endures more than four years of war since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ukraine is marking the anniversary of its 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union as European leaders traveled to Kyiv to join President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for official celebrations.
— Yahoo Sportsby VASILISA STEPANENKO and FRANSISCO SECO

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Yahoo SportsAug 24, 2026, 2:02 PM
Ukraine's amputee veterans celebrate independence day with grueling endurance challenge
Military amputees and war veterans in Ukraine marked Independence Day on Monday by finishing a grueling endurance race that took them more than 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) around the country. Known as Iron Week, the competition is led by three-time Olympic triathlete Danylo Sapunov, who supports veterans as the country endures more than four years of war since Russia’s full-scale invasion. Ukraine is marking the anniversary of its 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union as European leaders traveled to Kyiv to join President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for official celebrations.

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