Winter Olympics 2026: Ukrainian athlete kicked out of skeleton over helmet tribute, Brignone wins women’s Super G – live | Winter Olympics 2026


Banned Heraskevych accuses IOC of fuelling Russia’s propaganda

Sean Ingle

Vladyslav Heraskevych has accused the International Olympic Committee of doing Russia’s propaganda for them after he was barred from racing in the Winter Games because he wanted to wear a “helmet of memory” in honour of Ukraine’s war dead.

Speaking to journalists following the IOC’s decision, the 27-year-old was asked how he felt. “Emptiness,” he replied. “Yesterday was amazing training. I could be among the medalists in this event, but suddenly, because of some interpretation of the rules which I do not agree with, I am not able to compete.

“I was at many funerals when I was in Ukraine and it’s a truly terrible tragedy that young people at such a young age were killed for nothing,” he added. “Because of their sacrifice, we’re able to be here today, and I want to honour them, and I want to honour their families.”

Heraskevych also thanked the IOC’s president, Kirsty Coventry, for meeting him at 8.30am, an hour before the skeleton competition began, and for what he said were her kind words to him. But he added: “But, as I told her, this situation plays along with Russian propaganda and it does not look good. I believe it’s a terrible mistake that was made by the IOC.”

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Key events

Women’s 5000m speed skating: It’s two athletes at a time in this event, who must switch from inner to outer lane at the end of each lap to ensure they cover the same distance. Fastest athlete overall wins. The rink is 400 metres round, which leaves the competitors 12 and a half laps of agony.

The third pair are now on the ice: Nadezhda Morozova of Kazakhstan, in a natty blue hooded suit, and 20 year old German Maira Jasch. It’s a game of long strides, low crouches and looped arms.

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