A Ukrainian amputee athlete is set to compete in the 43rd TCS London Marathon, which is scheduled to take place on April 23, 2023. Roman Kashpur, an active serviceman, volunteer, and winner of multiple competitions, will be representing Ukraine in the prestigious race.
Kashpur is a participant and ambassador of the CIBORGs Programme of the Hromadzhyn Charitable Foundation, which aims to help severely wounded soldiers. He is also a record holder in the category of “Pulling an AN-26 aircraft (16 tonnes) by a person with a disability.” Kashpur has been using a prosthesis to compete and motivate others, proving that amputation is not a limitation.
In a statement, Kashpur said that he wants to draw attention to the issues of helping wounded soldiers who have lost their limbs, raise additional funds for modern prosthetics, and support programs for people with amputations and severe injuries. He also stressed the importance of helping Ukraine in its fight against Russian terrorists, as Ukraine is currently acting as a shield for the entire civilized world.
The London Marathon, which holds the World Athletics Elite Platinum Label Race status, is one of the oldest members of the Association of International Marathons. It is on par with the World Championships in terms of significance and includes the world’s fastest marathoners. The race attracts around 40,000 athletes annually, with 35,914 participants completing the marathon distance in 2021. The current London Marathon record is 2:02:37, held by Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya in 2019.
The London Marathon course starts in Greenwich Park and runs through the streets of London, crossing Tower Bridge and ending on The Mall, which connects Buckingham Palace with Trafalgar Square. The time limit for the marathon course is 8 hours.
Kashpur’s participation in the London Marathon is not only a personal achievement but also a significant moment for Ukrainian athletes and amputees worldwide. It is a testament to the power of determination and the human spirit.