After being wounded, the soldier took up swimming and swam 11 km
Yuriy Brel, a soldier from the Lviv region, discovered a new passion—swimming—after suffering a serious injury. He began training, gradually increasing the distances he swam, and eventually swam 11 kilometers using the breaststroke.
After suffering a serious injury, Yuriy Brel’s life changed. He had to undergo rehabilitation and gradually return to physical activity. It was during this period of his life that swimming entered his life. At first, it was simply an activity that helped him regain his strength and stay in shape. But over time, his training evolved into a true passion. Yuriy began swimming regularly and gradually increased the intensity of his workouts.
For him, the water became more than just a place to train. Swimming helped him build endurance, strength, and control over his own body. Step by step, the distances grew longer, and the results became more noticeable. Eventually, Yuriy was able to swim 11 kilometers using the breaststroke. Such a distance requires not only physical conditioning but also great endurance—especially considering that he took up swimming after suffering a serious injury.
11 kilometers of breaststroke
The breaststroke is one of the most common swimming strokes. Unlike the freestyle, it involves simultaneous arm and leg movements and a slower pace. At the same time, over long distances, this stroke requires proper pacing and breath control. Swimming 11 kilometers nonstop is a serious challenge even for someone who trains regularly. It takes more than just muscle strength; it also requires the ability to stay calm and maintain a comfortable pace throughout the entire swim.
For Yuriy, this distance was the result of gradual progress. He didn’t try to cover many kilometers all at once. The distance increased along with his physical capabilities. His example shows that after a difficult experience, the path back to an active life can take many forms. For some, it’s the gym; for others, it’s running or cycling. In Yuriy’s case, water became the way he moved forward.
Swimming as Part of a New Life
After an injury, a person often has to get used to their own body and its capabilities all over again. Physical exercise can be part of this process, but it’s important to gradually increase the intensity and follow the recommendations of specialists. Swimming has a unique advantage—the water supports the body and reduces the strain on the joints. That’s why this sport is also used during physical rehabilitation. At the same time, long-distance swims require serious training.
Yuriy’s story isn’t just about 11 kilometers. Above all, it’s a story about how, after a serious injury, a person found an activity that helped him move forward. What matters here is the journey itself: from the first training sessions to a distance that might once have been hard to even imagine. And now, swimming has become an integral part of this soldier’s life.
Veterans’ stories about returning to normal life are important not just as personal accounts. They show that recovery after war can take many forms. For some, it’s a career; for others, it’s creativity, sports, new friendships, or a passion. In Yuriy’s case, that passion is swimming. What started as a way to stay in shape gradually turned into a serious hobby that allowed him to cover increasingly longer distances. Swimming 11 kilometers breaststroke is no longer just a workout in the pool. It is the result of perseverance and the ability to gradually regain physical fitness after a severe injury. His story was shared with “UP. Life” at the Lviv-based “Zhabkolapky” club for veterans and civilians.
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