Ukrainian Athlete Disqualified for Defying IOC Rules with War Tribute Helmet
Vladyslav Heraskevych, a Ukrainian skeleton competitor, has been disqualified from the 2026 Winter Olympics after wearing a helmet that pays tribute to compatriots killed during the ongoing war with Russia. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) enforced rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits political demonstrations at Olympic venues, leading to his removal from Thursday's skeleton heats.
Heraskevych's Defiant Stand and Team GB's Medal Hopes
Heraskevych, aged 27, stated he would rather sacrifice his Olympic medal dream than betray the memory of fallen Ukrainian athletes. His helmet featured images of those who have died since Russia's invasion four years ago, defying repeated warnings from the IOC. Meanwhile, Team GB is back in action with skeleton events offering legitimate medal prospects after a slow start in Milano-Cortina. Additionally, British curlers are set to compete later on Thursday, aiming to boost the nation's medal tally.
Figure Skating Disappointment and Day 6 Schedule Highlights
Great Britain's figure skating duo, Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson, faced devastation as they missed out on a medal, failing to end a three-decade wait for gold in the sport. Despite entering the free dance final as strong contenders, an error-strewn performance saw them tumble in the rankings. Day 6 of the Games features nine gold medal events, including:
- Alpine skiing: Women's super-G from 10.30am to 12.50pm
- Cross-country skiing: Women's 10km interval start free from 12pm to 1.55pm
- Curling: Women's and men's round robin sessions throughout the day
- Freestyle skiing: Men's moguls qualification and final
- Ice hockey: Multiple men's preliminary round games
- Luge: Team relay from 5.30pm to 6.55pm
- Short track speed skating: Women's 500m and men's 1000m finals
- Skeleton: Men's heats 1 and 2 from 3pm to 5.40pm
- Snowboarding: Men's snowboard cross and women's halfpipe finals
- Speed skating: Women's 5000m from 3.30pm to 5.15pm
The IOC's decision underscores the strict enforcement of its apolitical stance, while athletes continue to compete across a packed schedule in Milano-Cortina.
