A Ukrainian athlete participating in the Winter Games in Italy faced disqualification on Thursday because he planned to compete wearing a helmet dedicated to his countrymen killed in the war with Russia.
Olympic officials had previously informed Vladyslav Heraskevych that his helmet violated the Games’ strict prohibition on political speech. Despite this, Mr. Heraskevych had stated earlier in the week his intention to wear the helmet regardless.
On Thursday morning, as the skeleton competition was set to begin, the jury of the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation announced its decision to bar him, citing that “the helmet he intended to wear was not compliant with the rules.”
Mr. Heraskevych, a skeleton racer who navigates an ice track headfirst on a sled, had initially been allowed to wear the helmet during training sessions. He explained that the helmet featured images of individuals, including athletes and some of his friends, who lost their lives during Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.
Olympic regulations explicitly forbid political statements during athletic 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 competition.
Adams had also mentioned that Mr. Heraskevych was permitted to wear a black armband to memorialize the fallen, should he choose to do so.
Prior to the event, Mr. Heraskevych expressed his views on social media, writing: “I am convinced that we did not violate any I.O.C. rules, and therefore we have every right to wear this helmet.”
Mr. Heraskevych, who was not considered a strong contender for a medal in the skeleton event, later issued another statement. In it, he requested that the I.O.C. issue an apology, allow him to compete with his helmet, and provide funds to supply power generators for Ukrainian sports facilities impacted by the invasion.