The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is now considering an appeal from Ukraine regarding the disqualification of skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych, who was barred from competing in the 2026 Olympic Games. This decision comes after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) imposed a ban on Heraskevych from wearing his helmet adorned with images of over 20 Ukrainian athletes killed in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Despite having worn the helmet during training sessions, he was prohibited from competing officially as a result of this violation.

Former acting president of the Athletics Federation of Ukraine and sports lawyer Yevhen Pronin has stated that the court has initiated the case, with all documents submitted an unusually swift timeframe of just one and a half hours. This highlights the urgency and significance of the matter at hand, reflecting broader concerns regarding the rights of athletes and the impact of national tragedies on their sporting careers. The appointment of an arbitrator suggests that the case will receive prompt attention, further indicating the CAS's role in maintaining fairness in competitive sports.

This appeal not only seeks to address Heraskevych's situation but also raises critical questions about the intersection of sport and politics, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. By challenging the IOC's decision, Ukraine aims to advocate for the recognition and remembrance of those athletes who have sacrificed their lives due to the war, underlining the personal stakes at play for Ukrainian athletes on the international stage.