IOC bars helmet bearing images of fallen Ukrainian athletes; NOCU appeals, president expresses support
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Summary
Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Geraskevych trained in a helmet with portraits of athletes killed in the war; the International Olympic Committee prohibited the helmet at competition, offered a black armband as an alternative, and the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine has appealed the decision; the president of Ukraine publicly supported the athletes' gesture.
Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Geraskevych trained at the Olympics wearing a helmet that displayed images of Ukrainian athletes killed during the war. The program reported that the International Olympic Committee told the athlete the helmet could not be used at competitions and proposed allowing a black armband as a gesture of remembrance.
The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine sent a letter to the IOC requesting clarification and an exception. The broadcast relayed program reporting that the IOC offered the black armband as an accommodation and said the organisation would permit other forms of commemoration.
President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky publicly backed the athletes' gesture on air: "Эта правда не может быть неудобной, неуместной или называться политической акцией на спортивных соревнованиях," the program quoted, framing the helmet as a reminder of war victims rather than a political stunt.
Why it matters: The incident highlights tensions between rules aimed at restricting political statements at sporting events and athletes' efforts to commemorate countrymen killed in conflict. The program said the athlete plans a press conference with further details.
Next steps: According to the broadcast, the athlete intends to speak publicly about the case and the NOCU has formally appealed to the IOC; no final IOC ruling was reported on air.