Ukrainian athlete drops out of of Winter Olympics over banned helmet
Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych was not permitted to compete on Thursday as he declined a request from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to wear a helmet other than the one commemorating more than 20 Ukrainian athletes and…
Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych was not permitted to compete on Thursday as he declined a request from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to wear a helmet other than the one commemorating more than 20 Ukrainian athletes and coaches who have died in the conflict with Russia.
The decision was made approximately 45 minutes before the competition began, concluding a three-day period during which Heraskevych was aware that wearing the helmet could result in his removal from the Games due to IOC rules prohibiting statements on the field of play.
In Milan, IOC spokesperson Mark Adams clarified that the decision was not related to the message itself. He stated, "It's simply the place. We wanted him before and after to express himself but for that one minute, that one minute of competition, we asked him not to make this expression."
Adams emphasized that the rules are also designed to protect athletes from being pressured into expressing views they do not necessarily agree with. He reiterated, "That is the only reason. It's not about the message, not at all about the message. It's simply about the sanctity of the field of play."
In Milan, IOC spokesperson Mark Adams clarified that the decision was not related to the message itself.
On Thursday, Heraskevych received notification from the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation indicating that his decision to wear the helmet was "inconsistent with the Olympic Charter and Guidelines on Athlete Expression."
Although he wore the helmet during training, the IOC requested — and strongly urged — him to use a different helmet during competitions, offering alternatives such as wearing a black armband or displaying the helmet after the event.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who was scheduled to be in Cortina d'Ampezzo for Alpine skiing, instead visited the sliding center to meet with Heraskevych. She awaited his arrival at the top of the track around 8:15 a.m. and met with him privately shortly thereafter. Despite a 10-minute discussion, Coventry was unable to persuade Heraskevych to change his decision.
Based on reporting by Africanews.