"Gravity? Wtf?": Ukrainian war veterans find rehabilitation through diving

"Gravity? Wtf?" is a rehabilitation program in Kyiv, Ukraine, that helps war veterans recover physically and psychologically through diving. 

(Image credits to Anna Yaroshenko)

Amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, a unique rehabilitation program is helping war veterans rediscover freedom. The initiative, called "Gravity? WTF?", uses diving as a form of rehabilitation for war veterans recovering from injuries and amputations in Kyiv. 

The program was founded by a Kyiv-based diving instructor who has spent her whole life in and around water. Born in Crimea, Anna Yaroshenko (38) began diving as a child, attending a youth diving camp. “Even back then, I realised diving truly works wonders for people and that it is accessible to individuals of any age,” she recalls. 

In July 2022, a few months after the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, Anna Yaroshenko returned to Kyiv and began restorations on her dive centre. “It was during that time that I started thinking about how I could be of use to my country and the military,” she says. “That’s how the idea was born to work with soldiers recovering from injuries and amputations. 

The spirit of her project is captured in the phrase: We unite for those who fight for us. “Our defenders give the most precious thing in this war… their health, and sometimes their lives,” Anna says. “They deserve to feel our endless gratitude, respect, and support.” 

The ‘Gravity? WTF?’ program provides these war veterans with physical and psychological rehabilitation, as well as a new hobby and a sense of community. “Veterans start sharing stories among people who truly understand,” Anna says. “That’s an essential step toward healing and returning to peaceful life.” 

She believes initiatives like her program are not only important, but they are essential. “In today’s reality, Ukrainians must either serve in the army or serve for the army,” she explains. The number of wounded veterans grows every day, and the state simply doesn’t have enough resources to provide proper rehabilitation, adaptation and social reintegration.  

Anna goes on to say that another crucial aspect is society’s adaptation. “Projects like ours are vital for building mutual understanding,” she says. Most people don’t know how to communicate with veterans, how to behave respectfully toward people with disabilities, or what those with PTSD go through. 

Redefining limits

According to Anna, many people, including the veterans themselves, can’t imagine how many opportunities exist for people with disabilities. “Some believe certain activities are forever closed to them,” she says. “But the truth is, the limits are only in our minds.” 

“Through this project, I’ve met the most courageous, strong, and resilient people I’ve ever known,” Anna says. She has seen firsthand the everyday challenges people with disabilities face. Challenges most of us never think about. 

“Yet, despite all the hardships, many of them say they started truly living only after their injury,” she explains. “Having looked death in the eye, they cherish every new day. That’s something we can all learn from.” 

From vision to reality

In January 2024, the first session of the ‘Gravity? WTF?’ program was held with two veterans. It was Anna’s mother, a rehabilitation therapist, who had introduced her to them. “It’s quite difficult to find willing individuals when no one knows you yet,” she says. “The soldiers need to trust me and be confident in my professionalism, so her support was invaluable.” 

It was not only the soldiers that she needed to build trust with. Not every pool was ready to take on the responsibility to support such a project as diving is often an activity associated with risks. 

“It was challenging to explain why I’ve introduced such an ‘extreme’ activity for people recovering from injuries,” she explains. Fortunately, they found a pool that allows them to train for free. 

The building of the shallow pool also functions as a shelter. “During air raid alarms, we can continue our sessions without interruptions,” Anna explains. “Unfortunately, the deeper pool does not have such amenities.” 

‘Do no harm’

“The primary principle of my work is Do no harm,” Anna emphasises. Her mother spent a lot of time consulting with doctors at the rehabilitation centre to identify contraindications for diving after war injuries. 

The ‘Gravity? WTF?’ program works together with rehabilitation specialists who help them understand each veteran’s medical condition. Additionally, they consult with psychologists to continually improve their work. 

This ensures that each diving session is tailored to the diver’s individual physical and emotional condition. It makes the diving sessions more personal and their approach is truly individualised. 

The team also respects the personal boundaries of the participants. “We never touch a person, their wheelchair, or prosthesis without permission, even with the intent to help,” Anna explains. The ‘Gravity? WTF?’ team always asks first what kind of assistance the participants need and how the team can best provide it.

Personalized approach

Each participant of the ‘Gravity? WTF?’ program starts their training in a shallow pool. It is fully inclusive, equipped with ramps, and convenient for wheelchair mobility. Once participants feel comfortable enough, they move to a 3.8-meter-deep pool, and in later stages, they dive in open waters. 

Anna Yaroshenko makes sure the program is accessible for everyone, making small changes to the program where needed. “It depends on the nature of the injury or amputation,” she says. 

For a single-leg amputation, they barely make any changes. Instead, they teach the participant to swim more efficiently to compensate for the missing limb. 

In the case of a double-leg amputation, underwater movement relies entirely on the arms. They need to adapt the positioning of the weight system and only aluminium tanks can be used because they make it easier to keep a horizontal position. 

For veterans with a single-arm amputation, they make sure the diver can reach all necessary equipment components with one hand. If it is needed, they move items to the other side or come up with customised solutions. 

If there is a double-arm amputation, a full face mask must be used, or the diver will need assistance from a partner for various equipment adjustments. 

Then there is a special group: those who returned from captivity and endured torture and trauma. Anna explained that they must be especially gentle, reliable, and supportive so these veterans feel safe and comfortable. 

Positive impact of diving

A benefit of diving is the disappearance of phantom pain, which can be a considerable source of discomfort after an injury. Yet, the most profound changes are also psychological. 

After each session, Anna can see the participants become noticeably calmer, more relaxed, and more open. “They get a chance to disconnect from the noise and clear their minds.” 

“Diving is an activity where, after some training, a person with amputations can achieve the same success as anyone who hasn’t experienced trauma,” Anna says. “After all, there are many divers worldwide with amputations.” 

“My favourite part is watching them become so confident underwater that they start chasing each other, flipping over, dancing, and just being the young and carefree guys they were meant to be, if not for war,” she adds. 

Revival of the Strong

Since its first session in January 2024, ‘Gravity? WTF?’ has evolved into a wider rehabilitation project. Together with the help of one of the instructors, Anna has established the ‘Revival of the Strong’ charitable foundation. 

It aims at connecting military personnel and civilians, where civilians can be of service to veterans. “We foster connections and strive to be helpful,” Anna explains. They have organised over 200 different activities, engaging more than 800 veterans. 

Looking ahead, the ‘Gravity? WTF?’ team hopes to secure external funding to expand its resources and upgrade equipment. “As long as the war continues, the number of veterans will only grow,” Anna says, “and so will the need for our work. We must keep developing, expanding our activities, and involving more people.” 

Ultimately, one of Anna’s personal dreams is to organise a diving trip to Egypt for veterans, where they could witness the true beauty of the underwater world. 

Article written by Jana Van Nieuwenborgh