In the heart of British Columbia, Canada, a powerful and inspiring story of resilience unfolded during the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler. Oleksii Tiunin, a Ukrainian soldier who lost his leg in the war against Russia, became a beacon of strength and determination. As the captain of Ukraine’s national team at the Invictus Games, Tiunin led his team of injured veterans to one of the best performances the nation has ever had, marking a defining moment not only for him but for the Ukrainian soldiers who have faced immense adversity.
At 37 years old, Tiunin has lived through the worst of human suffering, but his spirit remains unbroken. Having served in the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which fought in some of the most brutal battles against Russian forces, Tiunin was gravely injured near Andriivka in Donetsk in August 2023. A delayed evacuation during his injury led to the loss of his leg, an event that could have ended many soldiers’ careers and lives. But for Tiunin, it was only the beginning of a new chapter—one that would lead him to the global stage.
“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,” Tiunin said, reflecting on his journey. His participation in the Invictus Games, which featured the largest-ever Ukrainian delegation, represented not just his personal victory over the odds but also a triumph for his entire nation. The Ukrainian team, which included 35 injured soldiers, achieved an impressive performance at the Games, securing 30 medals, including 12 gold, 11 silver, and seven bronze. This strong showing placed Ukraine fourth in the medal tally, just behind the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
The Invictus Games, which bring together wounded and injured soldiers from around the world, is more than just a sports competition; it is a symbol of strength, recovery, and the unyielding will to overcome. For Tiunin and his team, the Games were an opportunity to prove that, despite the horrors of war and the physical and emotional scars they bear, they could still achieve greatness.
“Each of us got much more out of this trip than we expected,” Tiunin said after the closing ceremony. “We came here to have fun, show the strength of Ukrainian people, get some medals, meet new people, chat with them, enjoy sightseeing, and relax.” The camaraderie among the athletes and the positive environment surrounding the event were unexpected benefits for many. For Tiunin, the Games were not just about competing; they were a platform to display the enduring strength of the Ukrainian people, who have suffered under the ongoing war with Russia since 2014, and particularly since the Russian invasion in 2022.
The Ukrainian delegation was met with warmth and admiration, not only from the global community but also from Canadians, who expressed their respect for the Ukrainian soldiers’ resilience. “I think people understand that a brutal war is currently going on in our country,” Tiunin remarked. “None of the other participants at the Games have been involved in such a war as we, Ukrainians, are.” This recognition from the international community added emotional depth to the Games for the Ukrainian team, creating an atmosphere of solidarity and mutual respect.
The support from both the Ukrainian diaspora and the Canadian public was palpable, with many offering their cheers and encouragement. Tiunin’s words highlight the powerful role of sports in bridging the gap between nations and fostering empathy. For him, the experience was a reminder that in the face of adversity, human connection and shared experiences can become sources of immense strength.
In addition to Tiunin, another standout figure at the Games was Serhii Hordiievych, a 38-year-old Ukrainian veteran who won a gold medal in alpine skiing. Hordiievych, like Tiunin, had faced life-altering injuries during his time in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He was injured during a counteroffensive near the village of Vesele in the Kharkiv region in May 2022, when he suffered a spinal cord injury that left him unable to walk. Before joining the military, Hordiievych had been an avid soccer player, enjoying the sport multiple times a week. His transition from soldier to athlete in the Invictus Games was not only a personal victory but also an inspiring testament to the power of sports to aid recovery and rebuild lives.
Hordiievych’s path to the Games was marked by determination and a little push from his wife, Tetiana, who registered him for the national tryouts despite his initial doubts. “Let me have you registered, we will go to the national tryouts and check if it fits you or not and then you will decide if it’s worth it,” Tetiana said. Hordiievych’s participation in the Invictus Games was a turning point in his life, giving him a new sense of purpose and an opportunity to showcase his resilience on the world stage.
At first, Hordiievych struggled with the physical challenges of alpine skiing, having never tried the sport before. But with the guidance of coaches and fellow athletes, he overcame these obstacles. His victory in the gold medal race was a testament to his unbreakable will and determination. “At first, I thought that the coach was just cheering me up,” Hordiievych recalled. “But when I heard ‘You beat them all by three seconds,’ it was such an incredible feeling.”
Hordiievych’s success was made even more meaningful by the backdrop of Canada’s majestic Rocky Mountains, which offered him a sense of peace and clarity. “The panoramic view when my coaches and the instructor took me to the peak over 2000 meters high here in BC was unreal,” he said. This moment of triumph was not only a personal achievement but also a reminder of the beauty and hope that can emerge even from the darkest of circumstances.
Another memorable moment for Hordiievych was his meeting with Prince Harry, who has long been a supporter of the Invictus Games and their participants. The two shared a heartfelt conversation, further cementing the significance of the event and the recognition it brought to the Ukrainian team. For Hordiievych, it was an encounter that underscored the importance of solidarity and support for injured veterans.
Hordiievych’s experience is emblematic of the broader message of the Invictus Games: that strength is not defined by physical limitations, but by one’s ability to rise above adversity and continue moving forward. Despite the ongoing challenges he faces due to his spinal cord injury, Hordiievych is determined to continue pursuing his passion for sports. “I am confident that one day I will walk again, because I must dance with my daughter—first at her graduation party and then at her wedding,” he said, expressing hope for the future.
Both Tiunin and Hordiievych are exemplary figures in the broader context of Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for freedom and independence. Their participation in the Invictus Games serves as a powerful symbol of the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of unimaginable hardship. As these two veterans continue to inspire others with their unbreakable will and determination, they prove that even in the darkest times, hope and victory can still be achieved.
For Tiunin, the journey from soldier to sportsman has been a deeply transformative experience, and he is committed to helping other injured veterans find their strength and purpose. “A person with a disability because of war. A person with unlimited capabilities!” he proudly declares on his Instagram profile. His message to fellow veterans is simple: “You don’t have to fall into despair. You just have to survive this difficult stage of treatment, rehabilitation, not give up, believe in yourself, train, and strive for greater heights.” This message, filled with hope and determination, embodies the spirit of the Invictus Games and the unwavering resilience of Ukraine’s soldiers.
As Tiunin and Hordiievych continue their journeys, they are not just champions in the eyes of the Ukrainian people, but global symbols of hope and perseverance for all who face adversity. Through their participation in the Invictus Games, they have shown the world that even the greatest obstacles can be overcome with strength, spirit, and unyielding resolve.
