Feb 10 β€’ 11:46 UTC πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ Ukraine Ukrainska Pravda

Ukrainian athlete recalls his anti-war protest at 2022 Olympics, says IOC has changed dramatically

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych reflects on his 2022 Olympic anti-war protest and the significant changes in the International Olympic Committee's stance.

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych has recalled his notable anti-war protest during the 2022 Olympic Games, where he publicly called for an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine by showcasing a poster that read "No war in Ukraine." His act of silent protest was viewed as a call for peace at the time, and he noted that it was significant that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) imposed no sanctions on him, acknowledging the context of conflict.

Reflecting on the past four years, Heraskevych indicated that the urgency and relevance of his message remain stronger than ever, particularly as the war in Ukraine continues. He expressed disappointment in the IOC's evolving stance, highlighting that they now seem permissive of displays supporting Russia, as evidenced by the presence of Russian flags at the Games and the lack of sanctions against athletes sporting nationalist symbols. This shift marks a stark contrast to the IOC's earlier approach during his protest.

Moreover, Heraskevych pointed out a concerning inconsistency in the IOC's regulations. He mentioned that while they found a violation in the use of a tribute on a helmet that honored fallen members of the Ukrainian sports community, they overlook Russian symbols in the stands, raising questions about the IOC's commitment to upholding the integrity of the Olympic spirit in light of geopolitical tensions. His observations challenge the IOC's credibility and call for a reevaluation of its policies toward athletes from war-torn nations.

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