A team of six wounded Ukrainian veterans, led by retired Major General Volodymyr Havrylov, won four gold and three bronze medals at the international "Amazon Warrior Yomp 2026" event in Washington. Participants covered distances ranging from 40 to 80 kilometers over the course of 24 hours, alongside military personnel from ten different countries.
This was reported by the Allied Forces Foundation and United Help Ukraine.
The "Amazon Warrior Yomp 2026" international ruck march took place in Washington, D.C., ahead of Veterans Day in the United States. The event brought together wounded service members from ten nations to take part in a 24-hour endurance challenge, covering distances between 25 and 50 miles (40–80 km).
"A wonderful rendition of the national anthem by Anthony from the CAMMO Center for American Military Music Opportunities set the tone for the day, as teams from Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Georgia, Poland, New Zealand, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States gathered side by side. It is inspiring to see so many nations united in support of wounded service members, demonstrating the power of teamwork, resilience, and friendship. The atmosphere of camaraderie and shared purpose is incredible... Step by step, together we honor the wounded warriors who inspire us all," stated in their post Allied Forces Foundation.
Ukraine was represented by a team of six wounded veterans, led by retired Major General Volodymyr Havrylov. By the end of the competition, Team Ukraine had secured four gold and three bronze medals.
The participation of Ukrainian service members in this international event was supported by the American charitable organization United Help Ukraine. According to the organization, the primary goal of such events extends beyond mere athletic performance; they are designed to draw attention to the physical and psychological rehabilitation of wounded service members, the support of their mental health, and their reintegration into an active life.
According to United Help Ukraine, more than two million Ukrainian veterans require access to psychological rehabilitation and mental health support.
The Amazon Warrior Yomp was organized by the Allied Forces Foundation, with sponsorship from Amazon. The event served as a platform for international veteran engagement, the exchange of experiences, and mutual support among service members who have sustained injuries.
United Help Ukraine also issued a call to support its "Wounded Warriors Program," which is dedicated to assisting Ukrainian veterans with medical treatment, rehabilitation, and recovery following their injuries.
Photo: Allied Forces Foundation, United Help Ukraine
Author: Inna Mikhno