Ukrainian Skeleton Athlete Challenges IOC Helmet Ban

Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych has violated an equipment restriction imposed by the International Olympic Committee by appearing at a training session wearing a helmet that featured images of deceased athletes. Heraskevych described the IOC's decision as one that "simply breaks the heart,” expressing frustration over the ban. "It feels as though the IOC is turning its back on athletes who formed part of the Olympic movement by denying us the opportunity to honor them on the sporting stage — a stage they will never return to,” Heraskevych said.