Wladyslaw Heraskewytsch's exclusion from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has become a defining narrative at the Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo games. In his first appearance following this exclusion, Heraskewytsch states, "The mistake happened in 2014," alluding to the historical context of Ukraine's struggles with Russian aggression. The sports landscape has been significantly altered by geopolitical issues, and athletes like Heraskewytsch are left grappling with the consequences of these decisions on their careers and their nations.

The atmosphere in the room where Heraskewytsch is positioned resonates with photographs depicting the harsh realities of life in war-torn Ukraine. These images capture scenes from 2022 and 2023, including training exercises of young women in Kyiv, indicative of the preparation for potential invasions. The stark contrast between the memories of athletic competitions and the grim realities of armed conflict poses pressing questions about the role of sports amidst national crisis.

Heraskewytsch is now turning to the sports court in hopes of reversing his exclusion. The emotional weight of the photographs surrounding him serves as a constant reminder of the dire situation back home, where the Russian military has committed unspeakable atrocities, such as the massacre in Bucha. This narrative intertwines personal strife with national trauma, painting a broader picture of athletes as representatives of their countries' resilience under crisis.