A Ukrainian athlete participating in the Winter Games held in Italy faced disqualification on Thursday. His offense? Planning to wear a helmet that honored his compatriots killed in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Olympic officials had previously informed skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych that his helmet, featuring poignant images of people lost in the war, contravened the Games’ strict policy against political speech. Undeterred, Mr. Heraskevych had publicly stated his intention to compete with the helmet regardless of the ruling.
However, on Thursday morning, just as the skeleton competition was about to commence, the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation’s jury ruled decisively. Heraskevych was disqualified because “the helmet he intended to wear was not compliant with the rules.”
During earlier training sessions, Mr. Heraskevych had been allowed to wear the controversial helmet. He explained that it served as a tribute to those who perished in Russia’s war against Ukraine, some of whom were fellow athletes and personal friends.
Olympic regulations explicitly forbid any form of political statements during competitions or medal ceremonies.
“The Games need to be separated from all types of interference so that all athletes can concentrate on their performances,” stated Mark Adams, a spokesperson for the International Olympic Committee, during a press conference held before the event.
Adams had also mentioned that Mr. Heraskevych could opt to wear a black armband as a silent memorial to the deceased, should he choose to do so.
Prior to his disqualification, Mr. Heraskevych shared his perspective on social media, asserting, “I am convinced that we did not violate any I.O.C. rules, and therefore we have every right to wear this helmet.”
In a subsequent statement, Heraskevych, who was not considered a medal favorite, called for an apology from the I.O.C. He also requested that he be allowed to compete with his helmet and that the committee donate funds to supply power generators for Ukrainian sports facilities affected by the invasion.