Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych is urging US lawmakers to deny visas to Russian athletes aiming to compete in the 2028 Olympics. He argues that allowing Russian athletes to participate under their flag would enable Moscow to use the event as a propaganda tool amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Heraskevych’s campaign highlights the intersection of sports and politics, emphasizing that the Kremlin has historically exploited athletic events to bolster its image and promote militarization. He cites examples of Russian athletes supporting the war effort and participating in events that normalize the occupation of Ukrainian territories.
The International Olympic Committee’s recent decision to restore the Russian Olympic Committee’s status has intensified concerns. Heraskevych believes that the US can play a crucial role in preventing the Olympics from becoming a platform for Kremlin messaging by maintaining visa restrictions on Russian athletes.
He points to successful cases in Europe where athletes were denied entry based on their support for the war. Heraskevych argues that while visa bans won’t change Russian policy, they can prevent the misuse of international sports events for propaganda purposes, reinforcing the need for political awareness in sports.
Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
