Participant of the Regional Competition "Young Person of the Year – 2025" in the Nomination "Public Figure of the Year" Bohdan Zuiakov
Bohdan Zuiakov, born in Kramatorsk in 1999, showed an extraordinary passion for sports from childhood. His journey began with weightlifting at the Kramatorsk Youth Sports School, but Bohdan found his true calling in arm wrestling. Thanks to his exceptional perseverance and dedication, he became a multiple medalist of Ukrainian Championships and even participated in the World Championship.
His athletic achievements inspired Bohdan to choose a coaching profession, and he enrolled at Taras Shevchenko Luhansk National University. This was just the beginning of his academic path. After his bachelor's degree, he continued his studies for a master's degree and simultaneously pursued a law degree at the Donetsk Institute of Technology and Management.
The beginning of the full-scale invasion found Bohdan as a student, but it did not break his spirit. From the first days of the war, he, along with like-minded people from Kramatorsk, formed a group to help their hometown. Initially, they fortified checkpoints, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure. Later, they switched to distributing humanitarian aid, and in critical moments, Bohdan personally participated in search and rescue operations, helping rescuers retrieve people from under the rubble.
In the summer of 2023, Bohdan officially registered the public organization "Kramatorsk Volunteers' Association." This allowed expanding the scope of assistance to residents of Donetsk Oblast. Currently, Bohdan is one of the key volunteers involved in evacuating people from the hottest spots in the region. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, he has evacuated over 1,500 people from under shelling, giving them a chance for a safe life.
Bohdan is an active and caring member of his community. When the city announced recruitment for the youth council, he did not hesitate to apply and became its deputy head. In addition, he is a member of the youth council at the Donetsk Regional State Administration. Together with his colleagues on the council, he actively organizes events, campaigns, and develops the youth movement in Kramatorsk, engaging young people in active public life.
Even in these turbulent times, Bohdan finds time not only to help people but also to train. In 2025, he once again proved his skill by becoming a bronze medalist of the Ukrainian Arm Wrestling Championship.
Bohdan Zuiakov's story is a vivid testament to how a young person can harmoniously combine impressive athletic achievements, academic success, and tireless public activity, becoming a true role model.