A lesson in courage: the first marathon cyberathlete spoke to the guests of the RUSSIA EXPO

The first Russian athlete to run a marathon on a prosthesis, silver medalist in the discipline of triathlon at a distance of 113 km in the relay Dmitry Yushchenko told the guests of the exposition about overcoming difficulties, strength of mind and striving for results.

"I am a participant of the SMO, was awarded the Order of Courage. While performing special combat mission, I lost a leg, but I did not shut myself in, and started to move on. After discharge from the Armed Forces, I continued my way, but as a sportsman and achieved a lot in such a short time. After my discharge, I started to actively engage in running. Then it so happened that I got into the Paralympic team of the capital in cycling, in 3-4 months I reached the victory in the Cup of Russia," emphasized Dmitry Yushchenko.

The combat veteran, athlete of the Moscow Paralympic cycling team, two-time winner of the Russian Cup in the discipline of track cycling noted that he likes to share his knowledge with people and combat comrades, with whom he is still in contact.

Photo: Ilya Pitalev/Fotohost-RIA News agency

"I visit hospitals, schools, kindergartens, conduct Lessons of Courage. It is very important for children," said Dmitry Yushchenko.

The athlete said that he came to the sport after he began to have problems with psychological health.

"It was hard for me to accept myself, and the only way out was to take care of myself, to move only forward. I set a goal for myself, started playing sports, attending different events. When I set a goal to run a marathon, which is 42 kilometers, I started to actively engage in running. In training, every meter turned first into hundreds of meters, and then into kilometers. In 2023, I ran a marathon in five hours and 50 minutes," he added.

Dmitry Yushchenko noted that he continues to master new disciplines - he has already tried his hand at road cycling, triathlon and cybathlon. The athlete also addressed an encouraging speech to the guests of the Exposition.

"A person can do anything. The main thing is to want it and set specific goals. Everything is possible in this life. Difficulties are only in our heads. One should be engaged in what one's heart is drawn to. I do sports, compete with the strongest rivals, participate in such events as today. This is great, it motivates and moves forward," Dmytro Yushchenko is convinced.