In brief
Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych has been barred from competing in the Winter Olympics after the Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected his appeal to wear a helmet inscribed with images of athletes killed during Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Despite IOC's warning and efforts from officials to persuade him, Heraskevych stood firm on his decision, resulting in the CAS confirming that freedom of expression is not allowed 'on the field of play'.
Heraskevych asked Cas to reinstate his place at the Olympics after he was banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) before the first heat of the men's skeleton on Thursday.
Having worn the helmet, which the IOC say breaks rules in the Olympic charter, during training sessions this week, IOC president Kirsty Coventry visited him at Cortina's sliding track in a final attempt to convince him not to wear it in competition.
But the 26-year-old refused to back down, believing the helmet to be within the rules and an emergency ad-hoc Cas meeting took place on Friday.
Cas said while they are 'fully sympathetic' to Heraskevych's case and his right to 'freedom of expression', it is not permitted 'on the field of play'.
The IOC said Heraskevych could show his helmet in mixed zones, news conferences and on social media, but that 'the field of play is sacrosanct'.
More to follow.
