On Monday evening, a Ukrainian athlete in the skeleton competition at the Winter Olympics revealed that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had prohibited him from wearing a commemorative helmet for athletes killed during the war in Ukraine.
He stated that the helmet bears images of several athletes killed in Russian attacks, noting that the design was meant as a tribute to his fellow athletes who perished during the war.
The 27-year-old athlete wore the helmet during official training at the Winter Olympics, currently being held in Italy. It remains unclear whether he will be allowed to use it in competitions scheduled for later this week.
In a video posted on Instagram, the athlete said that a representative from the IOC, responsible for communication with athletes and National Olympic Committees, informed him he was “not allowed” to use the helmet in training or competition.
The Ukrainian skeleton racer expressed hope that the decision reflected the opinion of a specific official, not that of the IOC as a whole.
The athlete wrote: “This decision saddens me deeply.”
He added, according to the English translation in the video, that he would submit a formal request to the relevant committee.
In response to a request for comment, the IOC stated it had not yet received a formal request from the Ukrainian committee for approval to wear the helmet, adding it would review the request as soon as it is submitted.
It is noted that the IOC, under its charter, prohibits political messages.
Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics is a major international multi-sport event held every four years, featuring sports practiced on snow and ice. It was first held in 1924 in Chamonix, France, as a complement to the Summer Games, and has since grown to become a global celebration of winter sports and international cooperation.
Italy
Italy is a country in Southern Europe with a rich cultural history that dates back to the ancient Roman Empire, which was a foundational civilization for Western law, government, and engineering. It later became the epicenter of the Renaissance, producing unparalleled contributions to art, science, and architecture. Today, it is renowned for its historic cities, artistic masterpieces, and globally influential cuisine.
Instagram
Instagram is a social media platform founded in 2010, initially focused on sharing photos and videos with artistic filters. It has evolved into a major cultural site for visual communication, influencer marketing, and personal storytelling, significantly impacting global digital culture and social interaction.
International Olympic Committee
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is a non-governmental sports organization founded in 1894 by Pierre de Coubertin to revive the ancient Olympic Games. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, it is the supreme authority responsible for organizing the modern Olympic Games and promoting the Olympic Movement worldwide.
IOC
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is the governing body of the Olympic Movement, founded in 1894 by Pierre de Coubertin. It is responsible for organizing the modern Olympic Games and promoting the Olympic values worldwide.
Ukraine
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe with a rich history dating back to the medieval state of Kyivan Rus. It has experienced periods of independence as well as rule by various empires, before regaining its sovereignty with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. The country is known for its diverse cultural heritage, Orthodox Christian cathedrals, and the Black Sea coastline.
