In Lviv, on the square in front of the Opera House, a National Record of Ukraine was set for the largest mass performance of the CrossFit workout “Murph” among service personnel, veterans and representatives of the Defence and Security Forces. The event took place on 22 August with fighters wearing body armour.
The initiative came from the founder of the NGO “Youth Association “Bastion”” and commander of the Brigade Artillery Group of the 12th Azov Brigade, Hero of Ukraine Bohdan “Voha” Tsymbal. Service personnel, veterans and other participants joined in performing the workout, simultaneously undergoing an endurance challenge.
The “Murph” workout is considered one of the most demanding in CrossFit. It includes a 1.6 km run, 100 pull-ups, 200 press-ups, 300 squats and another 1.6 km run. Participants performed these exercises in body armour, demonstrating physical fitness and resilience.
During the event, a service member with the callsign “Shtanhist”, commander of a wheeled self-propelled artillery battery, thanked the organisers and participants for their support of the army and young people.
The workout is named in honour of US Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy, who was killed in 2005 while on active duty in Afghanistan. “Murph” is used to assess overall physical endurance and functional fitness.
Veteran of the 46th Separate Airmobile Brigade, Deputy Mayor of Lviv and Ombudsman for Veterans and People with Disabilities Andrii Zholob stressed that such events help shape veteran sport in the city and serve as an example for children and teenagers.
Head of the National Register of Records of Ukraine Lana Vietrova noted that previously the register had recorded only an individual record for completing the “Murph” workout, set by service member of the training centre of the Air Assault Forces Dmytro Kosatyi. This was the first time a mass performance of this workout had been registered.
“Our experts have come here to record a type of record that has not existed in Ukraine until now. And this is not just a sporting achievement or numbers — it is a demonstration of your willpower, iron discipline and brotherhood. This is what underpins our state today. You are the symbol of how iron people set iron records. Thank you for your service and your daily defence of our country,” said Lana Vietrova
The organisers noted that at the same time the “Murph” workout was being performed by service personnel in the United States and by fighters of the Defence Forces of Ukraine who are currently carrying out combat missions in the east of the country.
Throughout the day, the square in front of the Opera House also hosted sports presentations, informational and entertainment activities from the Azov unit and local partners, as well as “FreeAzov” remembrance and support areas.