The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has officially dismissed the appeal of Ukrainian athlete V. Heraskevich, who was removed from the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics after wearing a helmet adorned with images of deceased Ukrainian athletes during training. The ruling emphasized that the Athlete Expression Guidelines provide sufficient opportunities for athletes to express mourning and solidarity in various contexts, including mixed zones, press conferences, and on social media, while maintaining the integrity of sports competitions. The IOC and the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) were supported in their decision to view Heraskevich's helmet decoration as a political statement rather than merely an act of mourning.

In the court's explanation, it was stated that the arbitrator does not have the authority to alter the rules set forth in the Athlete Expression Guidelines, underlining the importance of safeguarding the neutral nature of the Olympic Games. By categorizing Heraskevich's actions as a breach of these guidelines, the CAS reinforced the notion that political symbols or expressions are not permissible in the Olympic framework. This brings to light broader discussions about the boundaries of athlete expression and the balance between personal sentiments and the sanctity of sporting events.

This decision is significant not only for Heraskevich but also for the future of athlete expression, particularly for competitors from politically tense backgrounds. The ruling implies that athletes must navigate the complex relationship between their personal beliefs and the regulations governing their conduct in international competitions, which can have profound implications for how athletes choose to express their views while competing on the global stage.