Ukraine’s Vladyslav Heraskevych begins a males’s skeleton coaching session on the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, on February 9, 2026.
| Photograph Credit score: AP
The Worldwide Olympic Committee on Tuesday (February 10, 2026) stated a Ukrainian skeleton racer may put on a black armband on the Winter Olympics however confirmed it had banned his helmet that options Ukrainian sportspeople killed within the battle with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had defended Vladyslav Heraskevych’s proper to put on the helmet, which carries footage of useless Ukrainian sportsmen and girls killed since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, on the Milan-Cortina Video games.
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams stated on Tuesday (February 10, 2026) the helmet contravened pointers about political symbols on the Olympics however stated it might “make an exception to the rules to permit him to put on a black armband throughout competitors to make that commemoration”.
Gestures of a political nature throughout competitors have been forbidden since 2021 underneath article 50 of the Olympic Constitution, though athletes are permitted to precise their views in press conferences and on social media.
Mr. Adams added: “I feel what we’ve tried to do is to handle his wishes with compassion and understanding.
“We is not going to cease him expressing himself in press conferences, as he leaves competitors, within the blended zone (the place rivals discuss to journalists) and elsewhere, and we really feel that it is a good compromise within the scenario.”
Mr. Heraskevych, who was one in all Ukraine’s two flag bearers within the opening ceremony of the Video games, stated the choice to ban his helmet “merely breaks my coronary heart”.
Mr. Zelenskyy had thanked Mr. Heraskevych “for reminding the world of the worth of our wrestle”.
“This fact can’t be inconvenient, inappropriate or known as a ‘political demonstration at a sporting occasion.’ It’s a reminder to your complete world of what fashionable Russia is,” the president added.
Ukrainian Sports activities Minister Matviy Bidnyi instructed AFP this month that Russia has killed “greater than 650 athletes and coaches” because it invaded Ukraine in 2022, in keeping with the newest information.
Revealed – February 10, 2026 05:30 pm IST