Overview
- Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych has continued to use the tribute helmet in training and says he will wear it in competition starting Thursday.
- The IOC formally ruled the helmet violates Rule 50.2 and offered a plain, text‑free black armband as a one‑off exception for competition.
- IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said officials will speak with the athlete again and that rules will ultimately be enforced if necessary, without detailing potential sanctions.
- Ukraine’s National Olympic Committee submitted a formal request arguing the helmet complies with safety and non‑political rules, but the IOC denied the bid.
- The helmet depicts Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed since Russia’s 2022 invasion, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly praised Heraskevych’s effort to honor them.