CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy, Feb 10, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has defended a Winter Olympian's right to wear a helmet featuring athletes killed during the war with Russia after skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych said the IOC banned it at the Games. Heraskevych wore the helmet during a training session in Cortina and had intended to use the Games in Italy to help maintain international pressure on Russia. The skeleton racer said he would submit an official request to the IOC and continue to seek permission to use the helmet. Ukrainian Sports Minister Matviy Bidnyi told AFP this month that Russia has killed "more than 650 athletes and coaches", according to the latest data. At the head of a delegation of 46 athletes, Heraskevych marched in Milan last week as his country's flag bearer at the opening ceremony, alongside speed skater Yelyzaveta Sydorko.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha February 10, 2026 03:35 UTC