Overview
- Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, met Vladyslav Heraskevych in Munich and awarded him the Order of Freedom after the appeal failed.
- The Court of Arbitration for Sport denied the appeal on Friday, saying the ruling balances athletes’ desire to express views with keeping the focus on competition.
- Heraskevych intended to race in a helmet showing photos of more than 20 Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
- The IOC barred the helmet for competition but said he could wear a black armband during the run and show the helmet afterward, options he rejected.
- Heraskevych called the decision discriminatory as supporters and some athletes voiced solidarity, with critics accusing the IOC of inconsistent rule enforcement.