Summary
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for banning athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych from the Milan Cortina Games due to a helmet design honoring Ukrainian athletes killed in the war with Russia. The IOC allowed Heraskevych to wear a black armband during the competition instead, but he was disqualified from racing with the helmet.
Key Facts
- President Zelenskyy condemned the IOC's decision to ban skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych over his helmet design.
- The helmet depicted Ukrainian athletes who died in the conflict with Russia.
- The IOC ruled that Heraskevych's helmet did not meet the rules for competition.
- Heraskevych was offered the option to wear a black armband instead of the helmet.
- Heraskevych received the Order of Freedom after the ban.
- Ukrainian Sports Minister Matvii Bidnyi called the decision unfair but affirmed the team would continue in the Olympics.
- The IOC President Kirsty Coventry acknowledged the helmet's powerful message but emphasized regulations during competition.
- 660 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have reportedly died since Russia's full-scale invasion began.
