The Arbitration Court has upheld the disqualification of Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladislav Heraskevych from the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will be held in Milan-Cortina. Heraskevych faced disqualification after he chose to wear a helmet that featured images of Ukrainian war victims during his competition. The decision came despite Heraskevych's appeal, as he aimed to use the event to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, maintaining that his actions were an expression of solidarity rather than a political statement.

In his statements to the media, Heraskevych revealed that he has received threats from Russian individuals regarding his choice of helmet, which he attributed to the actions of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). He expressed deep frustration with the IOC's prohibition on any political expressions at Olympic events, arguing that the lives lost in the ongoing war should be acknowledged and remembered, even in the context of competitive sports. His disqualification has ignited discussions about the limitations placed on athletes regarding political expressions during international competitions.

The reaction to the court's decision is likely to resonate well beyond the sporting community, as it touches on themes of free expression, political representation, and the experiences of athletes from war-torn countries. As the Winter Olympics approach, this incident raises questions about how global sporting bodies handle issues related to national identities and crises, particularly for athletes like Heraskevych, who aim to use their platforms for social commentary, even amid strict regulations against political expressions.