Vadym Marynych was killed in the war against the Russian invaders — a warrior, an athlete, a coach, a man of iron will and a great heart.
In civilian life, Vadym was a renowned powerlifter. He worked as a coach, organized competitions, and mentored young athletes. It was he who initiated the annual national-patriotic powerlifting tournament Iron Nation in Mykolaiv.
His combat path was as straightforward and honorable as his sporting one. Back in 2015–2016, Vadym served in the ranks of the National Guard of Ukraine. With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, he once again rose to defend his native Mykolaiv, joining the Mykolaiv Regional Guard. Later, he made a conscious choice to go to the front line — enlisting in the Defense Forces of Ukraine to liberate his homeland from the occupiers.
Vadym served in a combat unit of the Azov Brigade, took part in heavy fighting in the Luhansk region, and held the line near Kreminna. In January 2024, he was wounded as a result of enemy shelling. Yet even this did not stop him. Vadym returned to training, prepared for the national selection for the Invictus Games 2025, and joined the sports camp ahead of the All-Ukrainian Invictus Games competitions in 2024.
The sporting community knew and respected Vadym. For many, he was not just an athlete or an organizer, but a mentor and a pillar of support. His brothers-in-arms remember him as someone you could always rely on. “A true man, a son of his nation, a patriot who developed sports culture long before the war and went to defend the country at its most critical moment. Strong — in body and in spirit,” say those who stood beside him in battle.
He knew how to look ahead — after demobilization, he dreamed of returning to coaching, organizing competitions, and welcoming back colleagues and friends who are currently serving in the Defense Forces. But the war decided otherwise. After returning to the front following his injury, Vadym fought his last battle…
Vadym Marynych returned home on his shield. He remains forever a warrior of Ukraine, an athlete, and a part of the Invictus community. His path is an example of how the power of sport is transformed into the power of resistance and love for Ukraine.
Eternal memory to the Hero.