Vasyl Shevchuk, a native of Khorestkiv in the Ternopil region, lost his life on the frontlines. He was regarded as a legend of the region and one of the strongest men in Ukraine. His achievements in sports were recorded in the Book of Records of Ukraine.
In 2016, Vasyl set a record by performing 63 push-ups in one minute, supporting himself on only two fingers. This surpassed the previous Ukrainian record, which was 60 push-ups performed on the palms of the hands.
In February of the previous year, before the war began, Vasyl set his final record, which still stands in Ukraine. He dared to run a marathon distance in winter without upper clothing. This new achievement, titled “The Longest Winter Run with a Bare Torso,” involved running 43 km 430 m in 4 hours and 50 minutes. This feat was recorded by representatives of the National Register of Records of Ukraine.
Vasyl was passionate about involving children, youth, and adults in sports and a healthy lifestyle. In his hometown, he founded a sports and wellness complex with an outdoor pool and gym, where children and adults could train for free. Additionally, Vasyl organized various competitions at the complex to inspire interest in sports and healthy living among the local population.
With the onset of the full-scale invasion, Vasyl volunteered to join the Ukrainian Armed Forces, despite being 59 years old. Regardless of his age, he bravely fought in fierce battles against the occupiers near Bakhmut, but tragically, he lost his life.