Overview
- Vladyslav Heraskevych painted his helmet with portraits of Ukrainian athletes killed since 2022 and used it during training in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
- The IOC told him the design violates the ban on political statements at Olympic sites under Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter.
- IOC spokesman Mark Adams described allowing a plain black armband as a compromise and said it must carry no text.
- Ukraine has appealed the decision, and Heraskevych wore the tribute helmet for a training run Tuesday, though the IOC says it will be disallowed for racing.
- Heraskevych criticized the ruling, saying he has seen Russian flags at events, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly thanked him for honoring the fallen.