Title: Standing United: The Courage of Vladyslav Heraskevych and the Power of Remembrance at the Milan Cortina Games In an unprecedented display of courage and defiance, Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych made a powerful statement at the recently concluded 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. His act of resistance against the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) ban on political statements has sparked a wave of solidarity across Ukraine and beyond, highlighting the resilience of the Ukrainian people amidst their fifth year of full-scale war with Russia. Heraskevych’s helmet, adorned with images of fallen Ukrainian athletes killed during the invasion, was seen as a poignant reminder of the ongoing conflict and its devastating impact on Ukraine. When asked to replace it with a standard one, he refused, stating that “this is the price of our dignity.” His disqualification from the games only served to amplify his message, as Ukrainians rallied in support by posting photos on social media under the caption “Remembrance is not a violation.” The act of solidarity did not stop at home. Among those showing their support were Ukrainian soldiers on the front line, taking photos with the same caption. Even Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined in, thanking Heraskevych for his stand and awarding him the Order of Liberty “For selfless service to the Ukrainian people, civic courage, and patriotism in upholding the ideals of freedom and democratic values.” The incident at the Milan Cortina Games is not just a sports story; it’s a testament to the spirit of a nation under siege. The Ukrainians’ unwavering resolve to remember their fallen heroes, even amidst the glitz and glory of an international sporting event, speaks volumes about their determination to preserve their identity and independence in the face of adversity. Historically, sports have often served as a platform for political statements and acts of resistance. From Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising black-gloved fists during the 1968 Mexico City Olympics to Muhammad Ali refusing military service, athletes have used their platforms to challenge societal norms and fight injustice. Heraskevych’s stand continues this tradition, adding a poignant chapter to the annals of sports activism. The potential implications of Heraskevych’s act are far-reaching. It has not only galvanized his fellow Ukrainians but also drawn international attention to their plight. As the world watches Ukraine’s struggle against Russian aggression, stories like Heraskevych’s serve as a stark reminder that sports can be more than just games—they can be arenas for political expression and platforms for social change. In conclusion, Vladyslav Heraskevych’s courageous stand at the Milan Cortina Games is significant not only because it highlights Ukraine’s resilience in the face of adversity but also because it underscores the power of remembrance and the role sports can play in shaping political discourse. As we continue to witness the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, stories like Heraskevych’s serve as a poignant reminder that there is strength in unity and power in remembering those who have been lost along the way.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2026/02/12/nx-s1-5712648/winter-olympics-vladyslav-heraskevych-ukraine-banned-ukrainians-react)
#ukrainians
Check out my AI projects on Hugging Face, join our community on Discord, and explore my services at GhostAI!