The International Olympic Committee (IOC) disqualified Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladislav Heraskevičs just before the competitions, after he refused to remove or change his helmet, which featured images of over 20 Ukrainian athletes and coaches who have been killed in the ongoing war initiated by Russia. This decision prompted significant attention, illustrating the intersection of sports and geopolitical issues, particularly in the context of the Ukrainian conflict.

Heraskevičs had been emphatic about wearing the helmet as a tribute to his fallen compatriots, despite the IOC's directive that prohibited its use in the competition. The IOC's president, Kirsty Coventry, was present at the skeleton tracks, indicating the seriousness with which the organization is approaching this controversy. The first run of the men's skeleton event was scheduled to start at 10:30, where Latvian athlete Emīls Indriksons was also set to compete, highlighting a broader international participation against the backdrop of this disqualification.

This incident raises important questions about the role of athletes in political expressions and how sporting organizations navigate these sensitive issues. With 13 athletes from aggressor states Russia and Belarus competing under a 'neutral athlete' status, the dichotomy between sporting integrity and national representation is sharply illustrated. Heraskevičs's case serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of the conflict and the moral dilemmas faced by athletes representing nations at war.