Ukrainian Skeleton Racer's Olympic Appeal Denied Over Helmet Design

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych's appeal to compete in the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The decision comes after Heraskevych was disqualified for wearing a helmet adorned with images of athletes killed since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The 27-year-old athlete was removed from the competition on Thursday when the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) jury ruled that the helmet design violated the Olympic Charter's political neutrality rules. Heraskevych had sought reinstatement or a supervised run pending a final decision by CAS before the event's final two runs on Friday evening.

"The CAS Ad Hoc Division dismissed the application and found that freedom of expression is guaranteed at the Olympic Games but not on the field of play, which is a sacred principle," CAS Secretary-General Matthieu Reeb stated after an eight-hour hearing.

Heraskevych, who has been outspoken about his desire to compete, told Reuters that he would explore his legal options following the decision. "CAS has failed us. We will consider our next steps," he said.

The case has drawn significant attention during the first week of the Olympics. International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry met with Heraskevych on Thursday morning in an attempt to reach a compromise, suggesting he wear a black armband and display the helmet before and after the race. However, using the helmet during competition was deemed a breach of IOC rules against political protests and slogans on the field of play.

CAS affirmed that the IOC guidelines for athletes' expression during the Games were reasonable. "The Sole Arbitrator found these limitations reasonable and proportionate, considering the other opportunities for athletes to raise awareness," CAS stated. "The Sole Arbitrator considers these Guidelines provide a reasonable balance between athletes' interests to express their views and athletes' interests to receive undivided attention for their sporting performance on the field of play."

Ukraine's Olympic Committee has backed Heraskevych, who is also the team's flagbearer for the Games. He previously displayed a "No War in Ukraine" sign at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, days before Russia's invasion. Heraskevych has also received support from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Established in 1984 by the IOC, CAS serves as an independent judicial authority to resolve sports disputes worldwide. Before the ruling, Heraskevych accused the Milano-Cortina Games of acting as "propaganda" for Russia.