In his article, Joe Noormets raises critical questions about the expectation that athletes should remain apolitical. He argues that various rules and decisions that restrict athlete autonomy stem from an imbalanced power dynamic in sports, where athletes often find themselves in a precarious position. Noormets specifically references the incident involving the Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych, who was warned and subsequently disqualified by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for violating a regulation that prohibits any form of protest, political expression, or propaganda at the Olympic venues. This situation highlights the tension between athletes' rights to express their views and the governing bodies' regulations that enforce silence on political matters.

The incident surrounding Heraskevych's helmet—which featured a political message—serves as a focal point for debating the limits of autonomy within the realm of sports. Noormets suggests that athletes should not only be seen as competitors representing their countries but also as individuals with their own beliefs and voices. His perspective prompts a broader discussion about the role of athletes in social and political discourse, questioning whether the enforced silence is justified or a violation of their rights.

Overall, Noormets calls into question the notion that sports and politics should remain separate. He advocates for a reevaluation of rules that suppress athlete autonomy, which he believes undermines the spirit of the Olympic Games and the rights of athletes to engage in meaningful expression. As debates over political expression in sports continue to evolve, this article presents a timely and critical examination of the complexities involved in balancing sport with personal beliefs and political engagement.