The OCEANMAN World Final Championship returned to Dubai on December 6, 2025, drawing more than 2,800 swimmers from 93 countries to Kite Beach for a full day of open-water racing. Among them was a group of Ukrainian veterans competing in the "Sprint Open Inspirational Men" 2-kilometer event — a category that celebrates resilience as much as athletic achievement.
Ukrainian Veterans Race at OCEANMAN Dubai 2025
The five veterans had taken up swimming as part of their rehabilitation after sustaining injuries during military service. Before travelling to Dubai for the world final, they trained under local coaches and the public organization Iron Will.
The Ukrainian community in the UAE, led by Dr. Oleksandr Balanutsa, Ambassador of Ukraine to the UAE, attended the event and supported the group on-site at Kite Beach.
The Five-Person Team
The veterans who competed at the OCEANMAN World Final Dubai were:
- Oleksandr Gbeskinskij - Serg Ganzhalyuk - Dmytro Kovalenko ("Jordan") - Olexandr Bezkinsky - Dmytro Osypenko
Their participation placed them within a global field that featured athletes of varied ages, experience levels, and backgrounds — from elite open-water swimmers to first-time competitors.
OCEANMAN Dubai: A Global Open-Water Stage
OCEANMAN's Dubai edition is recognized for attracting large international turnout. The 2025 World Final ran races across multiple categories for both adults and children throughout the day at Kite Beach, with the veterans' appearance forming part of a packed programme.
The event underscores how open-water swimming has become a meaningful part of veteran rehabilitation programmes, providing structured physical goals and a strong community of support.
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