IOC bans Ukrainian skeleton slider helmet honoring fallen athletes
Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych holds his helmet with images of compatriots killed during Russia's yearslong invasion of Ukraine, at the Milan Cortina Games in in Cortina D'Ampezzo, Italy, Monday (local time). Reuters-Yonhap
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed on Tuesday that Ukrainian skeleton slider Vladyslav Heraskevych cannot wear a special helmet commemorating athletes killed during the war with Russia in his home country.
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams told reporters that Heraskevych can however wear a black armband in his competition on Thursday and Friday, and can continue to express himself in various ways from social media to press conferences.
"We feel that this is a good compromise in the situation," Adams said, stating the IOC has treated the issue with "compassion and understanding."
Heraskevych's helmet features images of around half a dozen athletes, including Youth Olympics medalists, who were killed in Russian attacks. The design was intended as a tribute to sports colleagues who died during the war.
Heraskevych, 27, wore the helmet during official training on Monday and applied at the IOC to wear it in competition as well.
But he said late Monday in an Instagram video that he was turned down by an IOC representative, speaking of "a decision that simply breaks my heart."
The IOC meanwhile referred to its regulations regarding political messages at the Games which were set up together with the athletes' community.
The Olympic body said that all athletes must be able to concentrate on their performance in a safe environment, not influenced by the various conflicts in the world.
Heraskevych was fourth at last year's world championships and could win a medal at the Games.
At the 2022 Games he held up a placard with the writing "No war in Ukraine" after a run. He was not punished by the IOC. The Russian invasion started a few days after the end of the Games in Beijing.