IOC Gives 'Black Armband' Green-Light For Vladyslav Heraskevych After Helmet Snub

The International Olympic Committee announced on Tuesday that Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych would be permitted to wear a black armband at the Winter Olympics, although his helmet, which features images of Ukrainian athletes killed in the war with Russia, has been prohibited.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky defended Heraskevych’s right to wear the helmet, displaying pictures of Ukrainian sportsmen and women killed since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, at the Milan-Cortina Games.

IOC spokesperson Mark Adams stated that the helmet contravened guidelines regarding political symbols at the Olympics. However, he mentioned that an exception would be made to allow Heraskevych to wear a black armband during the competition

to honour the fallen athletes.

Since 2021, political gestures during competitions have been banned under Article 50 of the Olympic Charter, although athletes are permitted to express their views in press conferences and on social media.

Adams added that the committee aimed to address Heraskevych’s wishes with compassion and understanding. He assured that Heraskevych would not be prevented from expressing himself in press conferences, the mixed zone, and other areas, considering it a reasonable compromise.

Heraskevych, one of Ukraine’s two flag bearers at the Games’ opening ceremony, expressed that the decision to ban his helmet “simply breaks my heart”.

Zelensky thanked Heraskevych for reminding the world of the sacrifices made in their struggle, stating that this truth should not be considered inconvenient, inappropriate, or a political demonstration at a sporting event. It serves as a reminder to the world of modern Russia’s actions.

Ukrainian Sports Minister Matviy Bidnyi said earlier this month that Russia has killed “more than 650 athletes and coaches” since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to the latest data.

(With Inputs From Agencies)