Prince Harry’s Invictus Games teammate dies defending Ukraine
A teammate of Prince Harry from the Invictus Games has died fighting in Ukraine against Russian forces.
Serhii Karaivan was a former triallist for the Ukraine team at the Invictus Games and Warrior Games.
The Invictus Games Foundation shared the tragic news of his death on March 13, just one month before the 2022 games commence in The Hague.
“It is with regret that the Invictus Games Foundation can report that a member of the Ukrainian Invictus Games community has been confirmed as a fatality of the Russian invasion of Ukraine,” the organisation said in a statement on its website, adding that “our thoughts go out to his family, friends and the wider community”.
Oksana, the team manager for the Ukrainian team, told the foundation it was “tough to learn about Serhii’s death”.
“When we win, we will celebrate his life, talk about him, and his sense of humour, professionalism, patriotism and sports endeavours,” she said.
“And we will hug and cry and laugh because the memories of him bring joy and happiness.
“Please do not think of him as a martyr, he would not like that. Think of him as a celebrated Invictus Games community member, hero and defender of Ukrainian people.”
The foundation said it knew of many competitors, staff and members of team management had signed up to serve in the current conflict, “many of whom already had injuries sustained in conflict with Russia since 2014”.
Images: @WeAreInvictus (Twitter) / Getty Images