Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych is refusing to back down in his dispute with the International Olympic Committee over wearing a helmet honoring fallen Ukrainian athletes. Despite the IOC offering a compromise of wearing a black armband instead, Heraskevych remains committed to competing with the helmet that features images of approximately 20 athletes killed since Russia's 2022 invasion.

Heraskevych, who finished fourth at last year's world championships, plans to wear the helmet during Wednesday's final training runs before Thursday's heats. The IOC maintains the helmet violates Olympic Rule 50, which prohibits political demonstrations, while Heraskevych argues it's a tribute to fallen Olympic family members. The athlete has received support from fellow sliders, including Britain's Matt Weston, who called the situation "super sad."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly supported Heraskevych's cause, praising him for "reminding the world the price of our struggle." The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between athletes' personal expressions and the IOC's strict neutrality policies, particularly as Heraskevych has witnessed Russian flags in the stands despite their supposed ban at these Games.