Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych has been disqualified from the Milan Cortina Games after refusing to remove a helmet honoring more than 20 Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed in the war with Russia. The International Olympic Committee and International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation deemed the helmet a violation of rules against making statements on the field of play.

Heraskevych had worn the tribute helmet during training runs but was asked to use a different helmet for competition. The IOC offered concessions including wearing a black armband or displaying the helmet after races. IOC President Kirsty Coventry personally met with Heraskevych before the competition but could not reach a compromise, with both sides unable to find common ground on the issue.

The decision drew immediate condemnation from Ukrainian officials, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calling it a failure of the Olympic movement to help stop wars. Heraskevych plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, though the race has already begun and medals will be decided Friday. The IOC is allowing him to remain at the Olympics with his credential, but his chance to compete in these Games is over.