Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games on Thursday.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said he was removed from the event because he wore a helmet showing pictures of Ukrainian athletes who have died in the war with Russia.
Heraskevych was told about the decision after an early morning meeting with IOC President Kirsty Coventry, shortly before his race was due to begin.
His team said they will appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Coventry said she wanted to speak to him in person and tried to find a solution. She explained that the IOC was not against the message, but said rules do not allow any political or personal messaging during competition.
The IOC offered to let him show the helmet before and after the race, and said he could wear a black armband while competing. However, this was not accepted.
Heraskevych said he had lost his chance to compete at the Olympics. He also said the IOC’s decision helped Russia’s message and that he would not stop honouring the athletes.
