He wanted to draw attention to the suffering of Ukrainian athletes in the Russian invasion, but according to the International Olympic Committee, the Winter Olympics are not the right place for that.
Ukrainian skeleton competitor Vladislav Heraskevich has been banned from competing at the Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo Games after he continued to wear a helmet bearing images of athletes killed in the war in his homeland.
Heraskevic wore the helmet during all training rides before the start of today's competitions, but on Tuesday he was informed by the IOC that the helmet was "not in compliance" with the Olympic Charter and that he was not allowed to wear it.
However, on Wednesday he reappeared with a helmet at official training, and told the BBC that he believed he had "every right" to wear it.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry visited the 26-year-old on the course in Cortina before the first run, and the IOC said Heraskevici "did not consider any form of compromise".
"The IOC was very interested in Mr. Heraskewicz performing. Therefore, the IOC met with him to find the most appropriate and respectful way to respond to his wish to honor fellow athletes who lost their lives following the Russian invasion of Ukraine," the IOC said.
The IOC previously stated that Heraskevic could pay tribute to the fallen athletes by wearing a black polo shirt during the competition, and that he could show his helmet in the mixed zone, at press conferences and on social media, but that "the competition arena is inviolable."
They also say that they were prepared to ask him to perform with a matching helmet, because they wanted him to compete.
The BBC recalls that Rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter states: "No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in Olympic venues, venues or other areas."
Heraskevic believes his gesture is no different from those made by other athletes - such as Maxim Naumov. While waiting for the results to be announced, the American skater held up a photo of his parents, who were among the 67 people killed in the plane crash in Washington.
Based on the times achieved in training, Heraskevic was a potential shadow candidate for a medal.
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