"There is life after trauma": the story of Oleksandr Shvachek, the first veteran with a prosthesis to become a host

Oleksandr Shvachka, call sign "Vovk", is a war veteran, paratrooper of the 95th Airborne Assault Brigade, who volunteered to defend the Kyiv region from the first days of the full-scale invasion. During the battles for Makariv, he was seriously wounded, which led to the amputation of his leg.

However, Oleksandr did not give up: after undergoing a difficult rehabilitation, he became the first veteran presenter with a prosthesis on Ukrainian television. He currently hosts the program "Morning in the Big City" on ICTV2, is the world record holder in adaptive strongman and co-founder of the "Alliance of Veterans" association.

Especially for LIGA.Life, Oleksandr spoke about the main rules that help him stay in shape — physically and mentally, not to give up in difficult moments, and also about what a normal life is like for a veteran after the front.

Rules of life of Alexander Shvachka

— The main rule in work is to do what brings you pleasure.

I believe that this is also relevant for life in general. If a job doesn't inspire you, it's doomed. Because when you don't enjoy what you're doing, the desire to develop, learn new things, and strive for better results disappears. And this is a direct path to professional burnout.

— How do you make decisions in difficult situations?

— Believe it or not, my best helper in difficult situations is sports. Training helps clear my head from the chaos of tasks, emotions, and worries. After physical activity, I can focus on what really matters and make an informed decision.

Then comes experience, knowledge, and my professional competence. Sometimes I turn to people who are more knowledgeable about the topic for advice — their experience is also important.

For me, facts play a key role. The opinion of a close, dear person with life experience is also important. But I rarely use intuition – only when there are no facts, no advice, no external clues. Then I have to rely on my inner feeling.

— What helps you recover and stay productive when the workload increases?

— It's a combination of factors: healthy sleep, balanced nutrition, support from loved ones — all of this is of great importance. But my main resource is sports.

My mental work now predominates, constant brainstorming. And I am convinced that the best way to "clear my head" is to work on my body. Physical activity helps me not only stay in shape, but also mentally recover.

I felt this from my own experience – and started to do sports systematically. After all, it is also about discipline, motivation, regularity. And when even these tools do not give the desired effect – it means it is time to take a break. Give yourself a rest, be alone with yourself.

— What moment in your life was a turning point and changed your attitude towards yourself, your goals and the future?

— After being injured, my life took on a new meaning. It happened when we, together with other veterans, set a world record in Madrid at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Festival. There were eight of us, and we pulled four trucks weighing 36 tons. That was the first time in a long time that I felt real pride.

We were overwhelmed with emotions, happiness was boundless. We stood in front of the cameras, gave interviews, received support from the diaspora — and I suddenly realized that I was happy. That all those months of preparation were not in vain. And then I decided: after returning to Ukraine, I want to help other veterans, especially those who are still on the path to recovery. To show that life after trauma is possible. That you can set goals and achieve them, even if the path to them is not easy.

Less than a week after my return, I was flying to the United States for the 48th Marine Corps Marathon. Still fresh from Madrid, I found myself on another continent, facing new challenges. There, in Washington, I ran 10 km on a prosthesis. This was symbolic, because even before my injury, with both legs, I had never run such a distance.

And the final moment was my appearance on television. It was thanks to sports that I became a TV presenter. And at some point I realized: I don't want to go back to my previous life.

Because now I have a new path. A conscious one, filled with meaning, with new challenges, but also with great inner strength.

— Were there moments when you wanted to quit everything?

— Yes, such moments happen — especially when you are in a state of constant activity for a long time, do not allow yourself to rest, and also in life not everything turns out the way you want. At such moments, thoughts appear: "Maybe let it all go upside down?" But here some interesting mechanism works: I immediately remember those who are in the trenches now. Those who are really having a hard time. And against this background, my problems seem insignificant. I even feel ashamed to complain. It brings me back to reality, gives me strength to move on — to solve problems, overcome difficulties and not stop.

— What does "normal" life after the front mean to you?

— Normal life after the front is when you feel the support of your family and friends, the state and society, and you don't hear in the media about another portion of corruption in the country, or unfair justice! Well, and then everything else: the presence of hot water in the tap, a soft bed, a dry and warm room, electricity, conditional peace and you don't hear 200, 300 words...

Blitz poll

• A healthy habit that works for you? Physical activity is a vital component.
• The formula for balance? Work that inspires and brings satisfaction, support from loved ones, and the ability to take breaks for rest.
• Favorite book? "The Tribe," by Sebastian Junger.
• The best advice you've ever received? Don't listen to stupid advice.
• Source of strength or inspiration: My inspiration, first and foremost, is my daughters.

How do you see the new generation of veterans in Ukrainian society?

The new generation of veterans must become leaders and role models in society, whose word will be weighty and important.

The veteran community needs to create and implement new initiatives, be socially active, and unite around the front and rear, because our life today is war.

It is very important that veterans are visible — not only as heroes, but as professionals in civilian life. Because they are an example and a huge resource that should become a driving force for the restoration of Ukraine! Will, Freedom and Independence!