Ivo Šteinbergs, head coach of the Latvian skeleton team, has reached out to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) with a public plea to prevent the disqualification of Ukrainian athlete Vladislav Heraskevičs. This appeal comes amidst controversy regarding Heraskevičs' use of a helmet that commemorates over twenty Ukrainian athletes and coaches who have been killed in the ongoing war due to Russian aggression, which began shortly after the conclusion of the 2022 Beijing Olympics. The IOC had previously prohibited the use of such helmets in official competitions citing a ban on political messages during Olympic events.

Despite the IOC's announcement, Heraskevičs has persisted in training with his helmet both on Tuesday and Wednesday, asserting his readiness to compete in the upcoming events. The situation presents a significant dilemma as the IOC may threaten to exclude Heraskevičs from competition should he continue to flaunt these regulations. This rising tension highlights the ongoing relationship between sports and political expression, especially in contexts as sensitive and critical as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The implications of Schteinbergs' appeal extend beyond individual competitions; they raise critical questions about the balance between international sporting standards and the acknowledgment of political realities affecting athletes. Many may view this situation as not only a personal struggle for Heraskevičs but also a broader commentary on how international sporting bodies respond to geopolitical issues and athletes' rights to express their backgrounds and losses during a time of crisis.