The article reflects on the recent exclusion of Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych from the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina. He was banned by the International Olympic Committee for refusing to remove his helmet that featured portraits of Ukrainian athletes who lost their lives due to the Russian invasion which began in 2022. The author expresses a sense of disillusionment with how those in positions of authority often display loyalty to perpetrators rather than empathy for their victims, highlighting a troubling trend in international sports.

While Heraskevych received support from fellow Ukrainians, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who awarded him the Order of Freedom for his bravery, the author noted a disappointing lack of solidarity from other athletes. Although members of the Ukrainian and Latvian luge teams took a knee and raised their helmets in a silent act of support after their races, it was pointed out that this was a rare response. The broader Olympic community's silence was noted, with very little response on social media from former Olympians, indicating a widespread indifference.

The article concludes with the poignant observation that despite these acts of solidarity from a few, the Olympic rings remained unbroken, symbolizing a continued integrity that seems to overlook the plight of victims like Heraskevych. This situation showcases the complexities and moral challenges that exist within the realm of sports, particularly in the context of ongoing global conflicts.