Veteran and KNUCA student Vadym Honcharenko won three golds at the Strong Spirit's Games 2026
Ukraine's team took first place in the overall standings of the international competition for veterans of the security forces in Semmering, Austria — and the veteran and student of the KNUCA Veterans Institute, Vadym Honcharenko, won three disciplines at once.
Ukraine's team won an absolute first place in the overall standings of the international Strong Spirit's Games, held on 25–26 September in Semmering, Austria. Among the 242 medals in the team's tally are three golds won by the veteran and student of the KNUCA Veterans Institute “Architecture of Resilience”, Vadym Honcharenko.
For the third year in a row the Strong Spirit's Games bring together veterans from around the world. This year representatives of five countries took part: Ukraine, the USA, Ireland, Estonia and Bahrain. 159 veterans and servicemen competed for a place in the national team, and the 72 best travelled to Austria.
Three golds in three disciplines
The athletes competed in bench press, rowing on concept rowing machines, kettlebell snatch and the air bike. Vadym Honcharenko won three disciplines at once:
- Bench press: 100 kg
- Rowing: 100 seconds
- Kettlebell snatch: 32 kg
The team's absolute first place
The Ukrainian team took absolute first place in the overall standings and won most of the team disciplines:
- 155 gold medals
- 72 silver medals
- 15 bronze medals
For the veteran community such events are more than medals. They are a path of recovery, of returning to active life, of supporting brothers-in-arms and of setting oneself new ambitious goals.
Vadym, congratulations on the triple gold! Congratulations to the whole Ukrainian team on the triumph! Thank you for the strength that inspires!