After losing leg in combat, Ukrainian veteran aims for victory in adaptive judo

Anatoliy joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. Together with his kickboxing coach, they chose the Special Operations Forces.

“This is the most elite unit. Only the best, physically fit, and motivated people serve there - the elite of the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” Anatoliy explained his choice. He said his greatest motivation was the desire “to protect his loved ones.”

The path to the Special Operations Forces was challenging, even for professional athletes. However, Kai passed the selection and served on the hottest fronts: near Bakhmut, in Chasiv Yar, and at the border. He says his athletic experience greatly helped him in service.

“In sports, you also push yourself to the limit. Even when exhausted, you keep going toward your goal. It’s the same in the Special Operations Forces — you toughen yourself and your spirit,” explains Kai.

In November 2024, during an assault on Russian positions, Kai’s unit hit a mine. He was seriously wounded, while his coach was killed.

“We served together and went through the entire military journey side by side. We were both wounded, but sadly, he died,” the veteran says.

After losing his leg, Anatoliy spent six months in rehabilitation. The Special Operations Forces’ patronage service helped him get a prosthesis, and as soon as doctors approved, he returned to sports —  this time choosing adaptive judo.

“Everything works out. And if something doesn’t — actually, that’s even better. It motivates you that you can’t conquer the peak, yet you keep striving for it,” the soldier shares.

For Anatoliy, judo became not only physical but also psychological rehabilitation.

“This sport is non-injurious. You stretch, build physical strength, and have to think like a fighter. Strength without strategy achieves nothing,” Anatoliy believes.

In September, he will step onto the tatami for competitions at Ukraine’s first adaptive judo tournament.

“If you want to compete, you set the goal not just to participate, but to win and return with a medal,” he says.

But Kai’s biggest dream is to raise the Ukrainian flag on the international stage.

“I want to compete so that we are known and remembered — that we are an unbreakable country. Our people are the best, and everyone else should know it,” the veteran says.

Today, for Anatoliy, sports are not only about recovering from his injury but also a new life goal. He believes victories on the tatami can show the world that Ukrainians always see things through to the end.