IOC Bans Ukrainian Athlete’s Helmet Honoring War Dead
Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych was barred from competition after refusing the International Olympic Committee’s demand to remove a helmet honoring Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed since Russia’s invasion. The IOC cited rules against political statements on the field of play, despite offering concessions for Heraskevych to display the messaging off-ice. The decision, made shortly before his race, has drawn condemnation from Ukraine and has been described as inconsistent with previous IOC rulings on athlete expression. Heraskevych has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but his chance to compete in these Games appears to be over.
John Q. Hosedrinker