"We will stand for Ukraine": Latvian lugers support Ukrainian skeleton racer after disqualification

Latvian lugers Roberts Plūme and Kristers Aparjods have commented on their gesture of support for Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych at the 2026 Olympics.

Source: Trybuna 

Details: After their run, they expressed support for Heraskevych following his disqualification. The Latvians raised their helmets, signalling disagreement with the position of the International Olympic Committee.

"We are very good friends with Vlad also outside of sport, and we talk about different things in life that we like and dislike. You saw that I raised my helmet – I wanted to send a message to the sports world. 

I believe that Heraskevych also knows – he definitely knows – that we Latvians, and the skeleton team, are his biggest supporters in sport. And I want to support Ukraine. No matter what happens, we will stand for Ukraine," Aparjods said.

Plūme added that their support will not stop.

"We want everyone to know that we did this, we are doing it, and we will continue to do it," the athlete stated.

Background:

• Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified for intending to use a remembrance helmet during competition at the 2026 Olympics. The helmet features images of more than 20 athletes killed by Russians.
• He has appealed the decision. The hearing is scheduled for 13 February.

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