Two double-amputee Georgian soldiers defy odds to set new records

Two double-amputee Georgian soldiers wounded while serving in Afghanistan are defying the odds and planning to set two new world records that prove their abilities are limitless. 

Corporal Temur Dadiani, 24, and Corporal Aleko Gitolendia, 30, planned to set two different world records on December 3 – on the International Day of People with Disabilities – to prove that ability has no limits and encourage others with disabilities to try new things and challenge themselves.

But to do this they need your help.

The men are seeking donations on their Indiegogo.com crowdfunding page to fund their trip to Hawaii, United States (US), where they will attempt to set the new records.

Corporal Dadiani and Corporal Gitolendia lost both their legs and were gravely wounded after they stepped on an IED – an improvised explosive device – while serving in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Afghanistan.

The men are aiming to raise $32,210 USD (about 77,000 GEL) for flights, accommodation and meals, equipment, costs related to the Guinness World Records judge invitation, as well as Indiegogo webpage service fees.

The name of the campaign is Warriors Beyond Abilities.

On December 3 Corporal Dadiani, who has already set and broken the world record for the most planche push-ups, will attempt to complete more than 25 pull-ups attached with an additional 40 pounds (18 kg) weight in one minute to achieve a new world record.

Temur Dadiani after setting world record. Photo by Temur Dadiani's Facebook page. 

Meanwhile Corporal Gitolendia will attempt to complete a three kilometer swim in the shortest time wearing only swimming goggles and a swimsuit.

In December the most suitable weather for an open water swim is in Hawaii, that was why we chose it for our event,” the soldiers said on the Indiegogo fundraising page.

The record attempt will be held at the Ala Moana Beach Park in Honolulu and will be attended by the record officials, including the Guinness World Records Adjudicator and also the members of the World Open Water Swimming Association,” wrote the soldiers.

This swim will be particularly complicated for Corporal Gitolendia, as he had both his legs amputated above the knee. In the accident he also broke his arm in three places: upper, his elbow and his wrist as well as damaging muscles and tendons.

Aleko Gitolendia in Afghanistan. Photo by Aleko Gitolendia's Facebook page. 

I often used to swim while receiving treatment in the USA. I was spending hours in the swimming pools and swam a long distance without any rest. I was doing this exercise only for my health,” Corporal Gitolendia told Indiegogo.com.

Only after Temur had established the world record I realized that I could do the same”. 

For many people with disabilities, assistance and support are prerequisites for participating in society. We want to give an example to those who need it,” he said.

Meanwhile Corporal Dadiani broke his first record on August 3, 2014, exactly three years after the accident. During the record-breaking attempt he amazed the public with his unusual exercise, became certified by Guinness World Records and made history.

See the video below:

One year later – in August 2015 – Corporal Dadiani again revealed his power and broke his own record at the We Win Together charity marathon.