On August 24, 2026, on Ukraine’s Independence Day in Lviv, a national record in kettlebell lifting was officially set. Senior Lieutenant Anzhelika Namesnik, Head of the Training Complex at the Physical Training and Sports Department of the Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Army Academy, performed 1,565 snatches with a 12-kg kettlebell in 60 minutes. We spoke with the record-breaker about what took place behind the scenes of the official verification.
— Anzhelika, you set this record on Ukraine’s Independence Day. What did it mean to you personally to dedicate this achievement to your country on such a date?
— For me, it was much more than just an athletic result. August 24th is a day when you feel particularly strongly why we work, fight, and hold on. That is why I wanted to do something meaningful through sports, personal strength, and perseverance, and dedicate it entirely to Ukraine.
— 1,565 snatches in one hour is an immense pace. How did you manage your physical and mental stamina, and what was the most challenging moment?
— The most critical part was not starting too fast. On a distance like this, the first few minutes can be deceptive: you feel like you have endless strength, but nearly a full hour still lies ahead. I tried to work as efficiently as possible — controlling my tempo, breathing, and every movement without making any extra efforts. I didn’t think about all 1,565 snatches at once; instead, I broke the hour down into small intervals and focused solely on the moment at hand.
The middle of the distance was the toughest. That is the exact moment when the real battle begins — not so much for the record itself, but with yourself, to keep from stopping. After the 30-minute mark, my breathing became slightly uneven, and my hands started to tear from blisters, even though only half the journey was complete. Knowing why I was doing it and feeling the strong support from my loved ones, colleagues, coaches, and cadets truly helped me hold through.
— You mentioned that one of your main goals was to set an example for your students. How did the cadets react to your preparation?
— The cadets knew about my preparation and closely followed every stage. It was fundamentally important for me not just to tell them, “You need to be resilient, disciplined, and never give up,” but to demonstrate what that actually looks like in practice.
I deeply cherished their genuine support when they asked about training results, checked on how I was feeling, and simply said, “You can do this.” They might sound like simple words, but when you are preparing for a challenge like this, they mean everything. I want the cadets to see me not just as an instructor who demands results, but as a coach who is ready to go through every hardship alongside them. Most importantly, I want them to forge not only their bodies through sports, but also their character, because in these challenging times for our country, we must be strong both physically and mentally.
— Why did you choose kettlebell lifting in the first place, and how does your military service complement your athletic goals?
— My father is my coach. Ever since I was a child, I watched him train, lift kettlebells, and compete. At first, I simply wanted him to be proud of my sports achievements, but then I got completely hooked, and professional sports became my lifestyle. Kettlebell lifting resonates with me because you cannot win through raw power alone. You need technique, endurance, patience, character, and the ability to distribute your energy wisely.
Military service closely mirrors this approach: discipline, responsibility, the capacity to push through hardship, and the understanding that success depends on your daily actions. For me, the Academy is an environment where I continue to grow personally while passing this experience on to the cadets.
— The record is officially verified, but sports never stand still. What are your next goals?
— I definitely don’t want to stop here. An athlete always looks beyond their current result. Right now, it’s essential to develop properly and understand where I still have untapped potential, so this record is by no means the final destination. New starts, goals, and challenges lie ahead.
Together with my fellow coaches, we plan to continue developing kettlebell lifting at the Academy. We want to show that a soldier’s physical readiness is not just about passing fitness tests — it is the foundation of confidence and readiness to act when things get tough. And perhaps the next challenge won’t just be my personal one, but a joint initiative with those I am training today.
