Flag-bearer in Milan — micro-diplomacy and moral capital

The opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games became for the Ukrainian delegation not only a sporting start, but also a powerful sign of support from the stands. A comment from the father and coach of skeleton athlete and flag-bearer Vladyslav Heraskevych helps explain why such small gestures matter not only for the athlete, but for the country as a whole.

The crowd: genuine support, not a coincidence

According to Mykhailo, the father and coach, the Ukrainian team was met in a special way: from shouts of "Glory to Ukraine" to requests for national flags, which were snapped up instantly. This is not a one-off emotion — it is a signal that part of the European public recognizes the symbolic dimension of our struggle.

"It's impossible to put into words how the Ukrainian delegation was supported. People shouted words of encouragement, asked for something with Ukrainian symbols — our little flags were taken immediately. As we walked, not three or four seconds would pass without someone shouting 'Glory to Ukraine.'"

— Mykhailo, father and coach of Vladyslav Heraskevych

The flag: responsibility and the trident gesture

Carrying the flag is at once a personal pride and a public responsibility. Vladyslav did more than carry the standard: with a single gesture he displayed the trident symbol. Such a moment strengthens the bond between the athlete and the nation, turning the parade into a micro‑dialogue with the spectators.

"Vladyslav earned this mission through his resilience and hard work. It's more than sport."

— Mykhailo, father and coach

Technique, budgets and the realities of competitive rivalry

At the same time, the sporting side remains harsh: Ukraine is represented at the Games by 46 athletes, and in disciplines like skeleton, gaps are measured in hundredths of a second. Budgetary constraints and reduced access to aerodynamic laboratories and advanced materials are a reality that affects podium chances. Despite this, the team demonstrates a level that allows it to compete for top‑10 places.

What this means for Ukraine

Support in the stadium is not just an emotion: it is social proof that the European audience perceives the Ukrainian presence as part of a broader security and values spectrum. For athletes it is a moral boost; for diplomacy — another small but important marker of solidarity.

"When we finished the march, I saw the team as if in a trance — the energy of the support was fantastic and extraordinarily sincere."

— Mykhailo, father and coach of Vladyslav Heraskevych

Conclusion

Symbolic gestures at the Olympics will not replace investments in preparation, but they reinforce Ukraine's standing in the public sphere and give teams an additional resource — belief and attention. Now the question for sports and state leaders is: how to turn this attention into concrete support that will allow competing for medals as consistently as Ukrainians defend their land?

Sources: exclusive comment to UNN; official announcement by the International Olympic Committee about Ukraine's flag-bearers.