WSWCF STATEMENT ON VADYM OLIINYK

Over the past week, many people in our community have seen the video filmed by Vadym Oliinyk in the Ras Al Jinz/Ras Al Hadd turtle area in Oman, and many have contacted the World Street Workout and Calisthenics Federation regarding the incident.

We want to respond clearly and responsibly.

What is shown in the footage does not reflect the values of WSWCF or the values we expect from anyone representing, participating in, or being associated with our sport.

Street workout and calisthenics were born in public spaces, parks, streets, beaches and outdoor training areas around the world. Respect for those environments, local communities and the wildlife that shares them is therefore fundamental to our culture.

A nesting sea turtle and its hatchlings are wildlife, not a photo opportunity, training equipment or entertainment.

At the same time, we want to be precise about the circumstances.

The incident took place during a private trip to Oman and was not connected to any WSWCF competition, event, training camp or official activity. Vadym Oleynik does not currently hold any position within the Federation.

The Omani Environment Authority has publicly stated that the circulating footage depicts conduct disturbing sea turtles and that it constitutes a violation of applicable wildlife-protection laws and regulations. The Authority has also confirmed that legal measures have been taken.

The legal process belongs to the competent Omani authorities. WSWCF will respect that process and will not speculate about charges, penalties, detention, guilt or its eventual outcome.

Vadym has publicly apologized and stated that he did not intend to harm the turtle and that he was unaware of the applicable rules. That explanation and apology are matters for him to address personally; they do not replace the legal process or remove the responsibility of individuals for their own actions.

We also want to make an important distinction regarding Vadym’s history with our sport.

Vadym Oleynik was inducted into the WSWCF Hall of Fame in recognition of his contribution to the early development and international growth of street workout and calisthenics. That recognition relates to his historical contribution to the sport. It does not mean that the Federation endorses, excuses or assumes responsibility for actions taken by an individual during a private trip many years later.

The Board will review the Hall of Fame recognition after the relevant proceedings in Oman have concluded, when the available facts and official outcome can be properly assessed.

We also ask our community not to turn this matter into an online trial. Criticism and discussion are legitimate, but speculation, unverified claims and personal attacks do not help the sport, the animals involved, or the legal process. The appropriate authorities should be allowed to establish the facts and determine the consequences.

For everyone in our community who travels to train, compete or explore the world:

Respect the laws of the country you visit.
Respect protected areas.
Respect wildlife.
And remember that representing our sport comes with responsibility.

The Federation can celebrate the history of our sport while still being clear about the standards expected of its community today.

WSWCF Management Board