CORTINA D’AMPEZZO:
The Worldwide Olympic Committee on Tuesday mentioned a Ukrainian skeleton racer might put on a black armband on the Winter Olympics however confirmed it had banned his helmet that options Ukrainian sportspeople killed within the struggle wth Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had defended Vladyslav Heraskevych’s proper to put on the helmet, which carries photos of lifeless Ukrainian sportsmen and girls killed since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, on the Milan-Cortina Video games.
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams mentioned on Tuesday the helmet contravened pointers about political symbols on the Olympics however mentioned it could “make an exception to the rules to permit him to put on a black armband throughout competitors to make that commemoration”.
Gestures of a political nature throughout competitors have been forbidden since 2021 underneath article 50 of the Olympic Constitution, though athletes are permitted to specific their views in press conferences and on social media.
Adams added: “I feel what we have tried to do is to handle his wishes with compassion and understanding.
“We won’t cease him expressing himself in press conferences, as he leaves competitors, within the combined zone (the place rivals speak to journalists) and elsewhere, and we really feel that this can be a good compromise within the scenario.”
Heraskevych, who was considered one of Ukraine’s two flag bearers within the opening ceremony of the Video games, mentioned the choice to ban his helmet “merely breaks my coronary heart”.
Zelensky had thanked Heraskevych “for reminding the world of the value of our battle”.
“This reality can’t be inconvenient, inappropriate or known as a ‘political demonstration at a sporting occasion.’ It’s a reminder to all the world of what trendy Russia is,” the president added.
Ukrainian Sports activities Minister Matviy Bidnyi advised AFP this month that Russia has killed “greater than 650 athletes and coaches” because it invaded Ukraine in 2022, in line with the most recent information.
