Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the Milan Cortina Games after he refused the IOC’s request to wear a different helmet that honored athletes killed in the war with Russia. IOC President Kirsty Coventry met with him before the men’s skeleton race, but he remained steadfast in his decision, expressing that it was a matter of dignity. The IOC stated it regretted the situation and sought a compromise, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a neutral playing field. Heraskevych had come to the Olympics with a helmet bearing the faces of over 20 deceased Ukrainian athletes, highlighting the ongoing conflict’s impact on sports.
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