At the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladislav Heraskevich made a poignant statement by donning a helmet adorned with images of athletes who lost their lives in the war caused by Russian aggression. This act was carried out during official training runs in Cortina, demonstrating Heraskevich's commitment to raising awareness about the ongoing conflict and its devastating impact on his homeland. He emphasized the personal connection to the victims, stating that some were his friends, which underscores the emotional weight of his gesture.

Heraskevich's decision to use the Olympic platform to highlight such critical issues has drawn attention from the international community and media alike. Notably, many of the individuals depicted on his helmet were athletes themselves, including weightlifter Alina Peregudova and boxer Pavlo Ishchenko. Heraskevich had promised to leverage the spotlight of the Olympic Games to draw attention to Russian aggression, and his actions align with that commitment. However, it's worth noting that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has reached out to the Ukrainian Olympic Committee regarding his helmet, hinting at potential regulatory concerns.

As of yet, Heraskevich has not received confirmation on whether he will be permitted to compete wearing the helmet in the Olympic events. This situation raises questions about the balance between personal expression and adherence to the Olympic Charter, particularly subsection 50.2, which pertains to political statements. The unfolding narrative highlights not just the athletic aspect of the games, but also the broader implications of war and human rights, as athletes like Heraskevich use their visibility to advocate for justice and remembrance amidst global sporting events.