The article highlights the inherent connection between politics and sports, asserting that any attempts to separate the two are ultimately illusory. It references the famous quote by Carl von Clausewitz, framing war as a continuation of politics by other means, and applies this analogy to sports, particularly in light of the current case of Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych who was barred from competing in the ongoing Olympics in Milan and Cortina. The discussion emphasizes that the fusion of political issues with sports is not a new phenomenon but has been propagated throughout history.

As sports grew in popularity over the last century, it increasingly became a platform where political ideologies and conflicts manifested. The article argues that this relationship complicates the perception of athletics as purely recreational, illustrating how political motives often drive decisions made by governing bodies, such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC). While the situation surrounding Heraskevych is just one instance, it encapsulates a broader struggle where sports events become arenas for states to assert their values and policies, regardless of the athletes' personal standings.

The implications of such overlapping spheres raise questions about athlete representation, national identity, and the role of international sports organizations in mediating these complex dynamics. As the article concludes, the impact of politics on sports will likely continue to provoke debate and dissent, highlighting the need for ongoing discussions around governance, ethics, and the responsibilities of sporting authorities in balancing these competing interests.