The article discusses a significant event in which Latvian and Ukrainian skeleton athletes protested against the participation of Russian athletes in international competitions, particularly during the Olympic Games in Italy. Trainer Dainis Dukurs expressed his disapproval, stating, 'I no longer watch the Olympics,' in response to the ban on Ukrainian athletes competing. This protest highlights the broader regional tensions and the ongoing conflict surrounding the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes under their national symbols, which has caused a rift in the sports community.

The protests began in early January in Innsbruck, Austria, where Russian athletes were competing on the same track as their Latvian and Ukrainian counterparts. The situation escalated to the point that Austrian officials attempted to forcibly halt the protest, bringing in police to manage the demonstration. As the situation developed, Latvian sports officials and international federations were reportedly hesitant to publicly articulate their stance against the participation of Russian athletes, although they maintained that such actions were unacceptable.

This conflict is emblematic of the broader implications of geopolitical tensions on the sports world. The willingness of Latvian and Ukrainian athletes to boycott events and engage in protests demonstrates their commitment to standing against what they perceive as an unfair representation of their struggles in light of the larger political landscape. The protests in Innsbruck serve as a critical reminder of how sports, often viewed as a unifying force, can also become a battleground for national and international disputes.