Sport Above Politics Movement expresses its regret regarding the recent decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to disqualify Ukrainian slider Vladyslav Heraskevych from the men’s skeleton event. This decision followed Heraskevych’s intention to wear a helmet featuring depictions of athletes who had been killed in the war with Russia. The IOC’s action was based on a violation of its guidelines concerning athlete expression, specifically Rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter. This rule addresses the “protection of neutrality,” which states that “no kind of demonstration or political, religious, or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues, or other areas.”

At Sport Above Politics, we highly appreciate that IOC President Kristy Coventry personally traveled to Cortina on Thursday morning to meet with Heraskevych. She took the time to explain directly to the athlete that the disqualification resulted from the Athletes Commission’s 2021 recommendations, which sought to limit athletes’ opportunities to express personal views “on the field of play prior to the start of competition.”
President Coventry also shared an important perspective: “It’s because we had so many athletes come up to us and say, ‘If you open that up, how do you keep me safe? How do you stop me from being used by others to send a message that I don’t agree with?’ That’s why these rules are in place. It’s to ensure the safety of everybody.”

This transparent and compassionate approach reflects President Coventry’s profound understanding of the challenges athletes face and underscores her humble and inclusive leadership. Her unwavering commitment to balancing the integrity of sport with the safety of athletes is truly commendable. She has shown that leadership is not only about making decisions, but also about listening to the concerns of those directly impacted and engaging with them personally.

At Sport Above Politics, we fully support the IOC’s position that sport must remain free from political entanglements. This ensures that athletes are protected from external pressures and can focus solely on their athletic performance. The Olympic Games, by their very nature, are a global gathering meant to unite people across diverse backgrounds, not to serve as a platform for political messaging. We respect that the IOC’s actions prioritize the best interests of athletes, ensuring they can compete in a neutral and secure environment.

It is important to clarify that Sport Above Politics does not support war or political violence in any form. However, in sports, the principles of neutrality and fairness must remain paramount. This is why I stand behind the IOC’s enforcement of its rules, which not only safeguard the safety of athletes but also preserve the spirit of unity that the Games embody. The IOC’s stance ensures that athletes can focus on their athleticism and passion for sport, free from political exploitation.

While Heraskevych’s decision to appeal is within his rights, it is crucial to recognize the significance of the neutrality rules in place. These rules are designed to protect every athlete at the Games, regardless of their background or political beliefs.

Dr. Astrit Hasani
Founder, Sport Above Politics Movement