Is Heraskevych's Olympic 'helmet of remembrance' political?

"In Pyeongchang in 2018, the Kyiv native became the first Ukrainian to compete in skeleton at the Winter Olympics. Heraskevych also competed in Beijing in 2022. After the third of four runs there, he held up a sign with the English inscription "No war in Ukraine" for the cameras at the finish line of the run. Thirteen days later, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine."

"What is his dispute with the IOC about? Heraskevych wants to wear his "helmet of remembrance" not only in training but also during the Olympic race in Cortina. It features images of Ukrainian athletes who were killed during Russia's war on Ukraine. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) considers the helmet a violation of Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which states: "No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas.""

"Since then, Heraskevych has tirelessly used his sport to draw attention to the suffering of the people in Ukraine and to urge further strict sanctions against Russian sports. The skeleton racer was given the honor of being one of Ukraine's flag bearers for the Milano Cortina Games' opening ceremonies. Heraskevych, however, is not among the likely medal contenders at the Olympics. He finished 12th in 2018 and 18th in 2022."

Vladyslav Heraskevych became the first Ukrainian skeleton Olympian in Pyeongchang 2018 and also competed in Beijing 2022. He held up a "No war in Ukraine" sign during Beijing after a run; Russia invaded thirteen days later. He has used his sport to draw attention to Ukrainian suffering and to press for stricter sanctions against Russian sport. He served as one of Ukraine's flag bearers at the Milano Cortina opening ceremony but is not a likely medal contender, finishing 12th in 2018 and 18th in 2022. He seeks to wear a helmet bearing images of Ukrainian athletes killed in the war, which the IOC cites as a Rule 50 violation and restricts political expressions to press conferences, mixed zones, team meetings, internet platforms and media outlets.

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