Flagbearer Yelyzaveta Sydorko of Ukraine in the athletes parade during the opening ceremony.
(Mike Segar/Reuters)
Team Ukraine was greeted with huge applause as they entered the Olympic arena. The country, which wore yellow with blue accents to represent flag, has struggled since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
The International Olympic Committee is allowing Russian and Belarusian competitors to take part as “neutral” athletes in the games this year — a decision that has not sat well with members of Team Ukraine. Though the IOC approved these athletes under the condition that they do not support the war, skeleton competitor Vladyslav Heraskevych argued the policy still gives the countries an international platform, suggesting Ukrainian athletes may stage protests at the Games to draw attention to the issue.
“I know that we can have a risk of some suspensions or warnings from the IOC, [but] I believe it’s the right approach,” he told CNN ahead of the Games. “If you need to fight for your truth, if you believe that it’s not right, you should stand with your opinion.”
Four years ago at the Beijing Games, Heraskevych held up a “No War in Ukraine” banner in protest of the invasion and to encourage other countries to rise up in support of Ukraine.