A WINTER Olympics athlete has been banned over his helmet bearing the faces of war victims – to the despair of a dead veteran’s mum.
Ukraine’s , which officials said broke Games rules.
Ukraine’s Vladyslav Heraskevych was banned from the Winter Olympics for wearing a helmet showing war victims, upsetting a grieving mumCredit: EPA
The helmet, above, features pictures of more than 20 athletes killed since Russia invaded UkraineCredit: PA
Ukraine’s Vladyslav Heraskevych, 27, refused to ditch the headgearCredit: PA
He was then disqualified just an hour before yesterday’s skeleton bobsled event in Cortina, .
Organisers said no political, religious or racial messages were allowed.
The helmet features pictures of more than 20 athletes killed since invaded . One was of figure skater Dmytro Sharpar, 25, who died in the Battle of Bakhmut.
His mother Yulia hit out at Games chiefs and praised Vladyslav for showing “true Olympic spirit”.
She told The Sun: “The helmet means only remembrance. It carries no other meaning. It’s sorrow and pain.
“I want to thank Vladyslav for such an act, as a mother, as a human being.
“For me, he will always be an Olympian.” Vladyslav wore the helmet for training but it was banned for competition runs.
Officials had suggested he display it before the run, use another helmet and wear a black armband.
His dad Mykhailo — also his coach — was in tears at the Cortina Sliding Centre following the decision.
Ukraine’s President said: “His helmet is about honour and remembrance.”
Mykhailo Heraskevych reacts after son Vladyslav was disqualifiedCredit: AFP
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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