In Lake Placid, a pair of athletes are sliding for Ukraine. They hope better days are ahead
The final race of the headfirst-sliding sport known as skeleton is looming for Ukrainian athletes Vladyslav Heraskevych and Yaroslav Lavreniuk. After the competition, they will be heading back to Ukraine, unsure of what they will find upon their return.
Heraskevych and Lavreniuk are the sole representatives of Ukraine at the upcoming world bobsleigh and skeleton championships in Lake Placid, N.Y. Their temporary residence is easy to identify, adorned with a massive Ukrainian flag hanging proudly from the porch.
Amidst the ongoing conflict in their homeland, with tensions escalating between Ukraine and the U.S., the athletes are hopeful that their participation and display of the Ukrainian flag on the global stage will bring some solace to those back home.
The situation in Ukraine has been tumultuous for the past three years, and recent events have only heightened the sense of uncertainty for Heraskevych and Lavreniuk. With Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaging in heated discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, the suspension of military aid by the Trump administration has been viewed as a significant setback for Ukraine.
Despite the challenges, the athletes draw strength from the support they receive from fellow competitors and the community in Lake Placid, which has a strong bond with Ukraine. The solidarity displayed by merchants and locals uplifts their spirits as they strive to represent their country with pride.
The athletes express their concerns for their loved ones back home, with Lavreniuk sharing the anxiety of not being able to protect his family in Kyiv from afar. The fear and uncertainty surrounding the safety of their relatives weigh heavily on their minds as they focus on their sporting endeavors.
At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Heraskevych made a poignant statement by advocating for peace in Ukraine, a sentiment echoed by athletes from various nations. The outpouring of support for Ukraine in Lake Placid further reinforces the athletes’ belief in the power of unity and solidarity.
The absence of a sliding track in Ukraine necessitates the team to train in Latvia, with Lavreniuk recalling a training session cut short due to air raid alerts. Despite the challenges, the athletes remain determined to make history for Ukraine in the realm of sliding sports.
As they prepare to return home at the end of the season, Heraskevych and Lavreniuk aspire to inspire the next generation of Ukrainian athletes and pave the way for future success. Above all, their ultimate goal is to see their country at peace, a hope that drives them to give their best on the international stage.
The journey back to Ukraine may be arduous, but the athletes remain steadfast in their commitment to represent their nation with honor and bring moments of joy to their compatriots in these challenging times.
