The recent case of Ukrainian Olympic skeletonist Vladyslav Heraskevych has reopened the debate surrounding the intersection of politics and sports. Heraskevych's appearance at training while wearing a helmet featuring photographs of athletes who were killed during the ongoing Russian invasion led to a ban from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which cited rules against the spread of political propaganda as the reason for its decision. Despite efforts from Ukraine's President Zelensky and other Ukrainian representatives to support Heraskevych, the IOC remained firm in its stance against political statements in sports.

In a show of solidarity, Ukrainian athletes have demonstrated their support for Heraskevych in various ways. Luge athletes Olena Smaha and Julijanna Tunycka publicly expressed their backing for him; Smaha, after her run, displayed a glove with the words "Remembrance Is Not an Offense," directly referencing the IOC's ban. This response highlights the athletes' determination to advocate for their cause, as they navigate the challenging landscape imposed by the IOC's regulations, which seem to prioritize neutrality in the sporting arena over political expression.

The IOC has attempted to navigate this sensitive situation by proposing compromises. While they have allowed Heraskevych to wear the helmet in the mixed zone—a transitional space between competition areas and changing rooms where athletes pass media—he is still prohibited from wearing it during the actual competition. This compromise emphasizes the ongoing struggle athletes face when trying to voice their political beliefs through their sports, revealing a broader conversation about how sports organizations deal with political issues within their events.