Disqualified!
After helmet row: Ukrainian must pack his bags
The Olympic Games are over for Ukrainian Vladyslav Heraskevych. The skeleton racer has been disqualified by the IOC for refusing to remove his helmet, which was covered with pictures of his compatriots killed in the war.
The 27-year-old's helmet displays photos of 20 Ukrainian athletes who lost their lives in the war against Russia. However, Heraskevych violated Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry's attempt to convince the athlete to change his helmet was unsuccessful, forcing her to disqualify Heraskevych on Thursday morning, just one hour before the men's skeleton competition.
"It's not about the message"
"Demonstrations and political, religious, or racist propaganda of any kind are prohibited in all Olympic facilities, competition venues, and other areas," Coventry explained the decision. A statement from the committee further states: "The IOC was very keen for Mr. Heraskevych to be able to compete. For this reason, the IOC sat down with him to find a respectful way to accommodate his wish to commemorate his fellow athlete who was killed in the Russian invasion of Ukraine. At its core, this case is not about the message, but about where he wanted to express it."
Protest at the CAS?
Heraskevych himself reacted with great frustration to his disqualification in an interview with ORF. "I know my rights, and my helmet did not violate those rights. I did not engage in propaganda and would have had a chance at a medal. It is painful and hurts because I think the same rules should apply to everyone. Other athletes have also made a statement. We are considering whether to go to the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport, note) and lodge a protest," said the Ukrainian, who continues to stand by his message and must now bury his dream of an Olympic medal – at least for the time being...
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