Series description
This series documents Ukrainian veterans preparing for the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany, an annual sports competition for war veterans with traumas or disabilities. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have been wounded and disabled, and the most athletically motivated have formed Ukrainian sports teams. This series aims to show the character and emotions of these athletes in training.
Biography
Oles Kromplias (40, Ukraine) is a freelance journalist and war photographer. 2014-2024 covers the events in Ukraine - the Revolution of Dignity, and the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
During this time, he cooperated with many Ukrainian publications and NGOs. His projects were exhibited in 12 countries of the world. At the moment, he continues to work as a war journalist, and also works on social topics caused by the war in Ukraine.
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This amputee uses his mouth to draw the bowstring.
© Oles Kromplias, Ukraine, Shortlist, Professional competition, Sport, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
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Taking a short break. Sports training is far more difficult for the veterans.
© Oles Kromplias, Ukraine, Shortlist, Professional competition, Sport, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
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Volleyball training.
© Oles Kromplias, Ukraine, Shortlist, Professional competition, Sport, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
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Swimming training.
© Oles Kromplias, Ukraine, Shortlist, Professional competition, Sport, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
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Children from sports classes watch the veterans training.
© Oles Kromplias, Ukraine, Shortlist, Professional competition, Sport, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
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Warming-up before training.
© Oles Kromplias, Ukraine, Shortlist, Professional competition, Sport, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards
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The youngest team member is 20 years old. A couple of years ago, while serving as a Ukrainian soldier, he stepped on a landmine and lost his leg.
© Oles Kromplias, Ukraine, Shortlist, Professional competition, Sport, 2024 Sony World Photography Awards