Ukrainian with a disability swims across the English Channel on his back and sets a world record
21 August 2025 04:00
Oleh Ivanenko, a resident of Brovary, Kyiv region, a Paralympic athlete who uses a wheelchair, has made a unique achievement – he swam across the English Channel on his back and set a world record. This was reported by the Ukrainian Sport TV community on Facebook, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
“We console ourselves and remind you that Ukrainian Oleh Ivanenko from Brovary, who moves in a wheelchair, has crossed the English Channel on his back. Using only his arms, he set a world record! All the way through the difficult journey in the cold sea water, he was inspired by our flag! Congratulations to our brave Oleh! Glory to Ukraine,” the statement reads.
62 km instead of 34: how Ivanenko conquered the English Channel
Oleh Ivanenko is a deputy of the Kyiv Regional Council, a Paralympian, a notary, and a volunteer from Brovary. Since his youth, he has been confined to a wheelchair.
In his address after the swim, Oleh Ivanenko shared his impressions and told how difficult the journey was.
“I have a world record! The English Channel has been conquered! And we can say that even twice. In 18 hours of continuous swimming, I covered 62 kilometers. And this is almost twice as much as expected if we had sailed in a straight line. But due to strong currents and wind, we had to tack. This is the reason for such an extended length of the swim. By nightfall, the air temperature dropped to almost 12, a strong wind rose and waves began to roll in. But I sailed… Thank you all for your support! It gave me strength. And we won together,” the athlete said.
Why it is important
The English Channel swim is one of the most difficult in the world because of the cold water, strong currents, and constant changes in weather conditions. Ivanenko’s achievement has become a symbol of the strength of spirit and steadfastness of Ukrainians even in the most difficult times.
The Ukrainian’s unique record has already attracted the attention of the global sports community and has become an example of the fact that the limits of the possible exist only in the mind.
