Let’s bow our heads. The 21-year-old boxer died on New Year’s Eve

Every day at 9 in the morning, Ukrainians honor the memory of people whose lives were taken by the Russian-Ukrainian war. Today, Sport.ua remembers the 21-year-old master of Thai boxing, Vladyslav Vakulenko, who was a very positive person, had great potential in the ring, but with the beginning of a full-scale invasion, he decided to defend Ukraine. The soldier died exactly three years ago, on December 30, 2022, during a combat mission near Bakhmut in Donetsk region.

Vladyslav was born in Kyiv and has been involved in sports since childhood. Only six months before his tragic death, he received a diploma from the National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine, he dreamed of big competitions, medals, training future champions. In parallel with his studies, Vladyslav practiced Muay Thai boxing. The boy expected to return to training in his gym after the war.

Vladyslav Vakulenko took up arms immediately after Muscovites invaded his native land on a full scale. “We live in war! I understand that we are living in a historical time when there are real brave comrades nearby, whose spirit and body are eager for battle… This is the time when you will remain a hero or die a hero,” he wrote on social networks.

Friends and the coach remember Vlad as a person of light. He always smiled, joked, supported others, was a master of inspiration, did not look for excuses, did not back down in the face of difficulties. His friend wrote: “At your age, you have done more than some in 50-60 years.” And Vlad’s mentor, Stanislav Voyten, recalls: “He gave his all in training, gave his life in the fight against the invader. I am proud to have known him.”