The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed on Tuesday that Ukrainian skeleton slider Vladyslav Heraskevych can not wear a special helmet commemorating athletes killed during the war with Russia in his home country. IOC spokesperson Mark Adams told reporters that Heraskevych can however wear a black armband in his competition on Thursday and Friday, and can continue to express himself in various ways from social media to press conferences. “We feel that this is a good compromise in the situation,” Adams said, stating the IOC has treated the issue with “compassion and understanding.” Heraskevych’s helmet features images of around half a dozen athletes, including Youth Olympics medallists, who were killed in Russian attacks. The design was intended as a tribute to sports colleagues who died during the war. Heraskevych, 27, wore the helmet during official training on Monday and applied at the IOC to wear it in competition as well. But he said late Monday in an Instagram video that he was turned down by an IOC representative, speaking of “a decision that simply breaks my heart.” The IO
