Ukrainian slider exits Games over helmet protest

Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych has withdrawn from the Milan-Cortina Games after refusing a last-minute request from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to wear a different helmet. His helmet honors over 20 Ukrainian athletes and coaches who have been killed in the ongoing war with Russia. The IOC has banned Heraskevych from using the helmet, which features images of these fallen athletes, during competition (Deutsche Welle, Euronews, cbsnews.com). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly defended Heraskevych’s right to wear the helmet, emphasizing the significance of the tribute to the deceased athletes (The Hindu). Heraskevych expressed that his decision to leave the Olympics was a matter of dignity, stating, “This is price of our dignity” as he exited before his first run (Euronews). The IOC's stance on the helmet has raised questions about the political implications of Heraskevych's tribute. The organization has maintained strict rules regarding political statements and symbols during the Olympic Games, which has led to the disqualification of the Ukrainian athlete for his choice of headgear (Euronews, Deutsche Welle). The situation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine and the impact on its athletes competing on the international stage.