On his 42nd birthday, June 15, Dmitry Shevchenko — finalist of the second season of the romantic reality show "Bachelorette" — made a statement that changed the perception of his public image. Amidst birthday greetings, he published a photo in military uniform and announced his decision to join the Defense Forces of Ukraine.
"Life changes, and everyone makes their own choice"
Shevchenko admitted that just a year ago he could not have imagined celebrating his anniversary this way. "A year ago I couldn't imagine I would celebrate this birthday exactly like this. But life changes, and everyone makes their own choice," he wrote on social media.
This year, Dmitry was mobilized into the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. He emphasized that he is fully aware of the importance of border guards' work for the country's security: "The security of the state depends on the border guards. Our borders are our home".
Honor, faith, and dignity — new guiding principles
Thanking those who support him, Shevchenko expressed his desire to go through this new stage of life with honor, faith, and dignity. "I don't know what the next year will bring, but I know for sure — I want to meet it with honor, faith, and dignity. Faith in myself, my brothers-in-arms, and Ukraine," he added.
Sports past and business projects
Dmitry Shevchenko is a professional trainer whose sports career began in childhood. First, he practiced gymnastics, then devoted about eight years to swimming, and later moved on to boxing and kickboxing. During his career, he fought more than 350 times and holds the title of Master of Sports of Ukraine.
Aside from sports, Shevchenko tried his hand at business and launched his own projects. His project "Body Psychology," which he developed in parallel with his participation in the show, continues to operate even after his mobilization. "I thought that because of the army I would have to put the project on hold... No. 'Body Psychology' is still working," Dmitry reported.
From "Bachelorette" to the army: the path of a public figure
Shevchenko gained wide recognition in 2021 after participating in the second season of the show "Bachelorette," where the main heroine was singer Zlata Ognevich. He made it to the finals, but at that time Zlata chose another participant — Andrey Zadvorny.
Interestingly, in February of this year, it became known that Zadvorny also joined the army — he enlisted in the ranks of the National Guard of Ukraine. Thus, both finalists of the show are now serving in the country's armed forces.
A new stage of life
Dmitry Shevchenko's decision to join the Defense Forces of Ukraine became an important moment not only for himself but also for his fans. His words about honor, faith, and dignity resonate with those who value personal principles and are ready to act in accordance with them.
The photo in military uniform, published on his birthday, became a symbol of a new stage in Dmitry Shevchenko's life — a stage where he combines his professional achievements with civic responsibility.