Ukraine Sends 46 Athletes to Winter Olympics Despite War
Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych will lead 46 athletes into the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony, showing the world his country refuses to be defeated. The 27-year-old, who held a "No war" sign at the Beijing Games just before Russia's invasion, now carries his nation's flag with pride.
When Vladyslav Heraskevych walks into Milan's opening ceremony Friday night carrying Ukraine's flag, he'll be delivering a message the world needs to see: his country is still standing strong.
The skeleton racer from Kyiv leads a delegation of 46 Ukrainian athletes to the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, competing while their homeland faces daily blackouts and ongoing conflict. "I believe it's a very strong symbol for Ukraine that we are still standing strong, we are still among the best nations despite the war in our country," the 27-year-old said Thursday.
This marks Heraskevych's third Winter Games, following appearances in Pyeongchang 2018 and Beijing 2022. At those Beijing Games, he made headlines by holding up a "No war" sign just days before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Now he returns not just as a protestor, but as a medal contender. After placing fourth at the world championships in Lake Placid this March, Heraskevych believes he can reach the podium when he competes February 13 in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
His father will be there coaching him through every run. His mother, who has left Ukraine, will cheer from the stands. But his other relatives back home face a different reality.
"I hope they will be able to see the ceremony, if there's electricity, because it's a very hard time, there are a lot of blackouts now in Ukraine," he said.
Why This Inspires
Every athlete who makes it to the Olympics has overcome obstacles, but Ukraine's 46-person delegation carries a weight few others can understand. They've trained through air raid sirens, competed while worrying about loved ones, and traveled to Italy knowing home might look different when they return.
Yet they're here. They're racing, jumping, and skating alongside the world's best. Their presence alone proves what Heraskevych wanted everyone to know: Ukraine refuses to disappear from the world stage.
Heraskevych will carry his country's flag alongside speedskater Yelyzaveta Sydorko Friday evening, representing millions who are watching from darkened homes and hoping for light.
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Based on reporting by Japan Times
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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