The International Olympic Committee (IOC) enforces strict guidelines against political statements during competitions, as demonstrated by its recent decision to ban Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych from wearing a helmet featuring images of Ukrainian athletes killed in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The Helmet Controversy
Heraskevych, a skeleton competitor, initially defied IOC instructions by donning the helmet, which serves as a memorial to fallen comrades. Russia remains excluded from the Olympics following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. IOC President Kirsty Coventry, visibly emotional, explained the ruling while acknowledging the helmet’s powerful message, stating it violated Rule 50 despite her personal agreement with its sentiment.
The decision sparked backlash from Heraskevych’s teammates. Olympic historian Bruce Kidd, a former runner and professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, described the helmet as both a tribute to lost athletes and an explicit commentary on the war’s nature.
Understanding Rule 50
Rule 50 prohibits political, religious, or racial propaganda in Olympic venues, podiums, and fields of play. Athletes may express views outside these areas, such as press conferences or social media. Recent examples include U.S. athletes protesting immigration policies online.
Heraskevych argues inconsistent enforcement, pointing to Israeli skeleton athlete Jared Firestone, who wore a kippah inscribed with names of the 11 Israeli athletes and coaches killed during the 1972 Munich Games. Similarly, the IOC required Haiti’s two-person team to remove an image of revolutionary leader Toussaint Louverture from their opening ceremony jackets.
Kidd notes that distinguishing political statements proves challenging, with enforcement often subjective.
Roots in Olympic Tradition
These guidelines trace back to the modern Olympics’ founder, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who in the 1890s promoted the Games to promote global peace and mutual understanding. Criticizing other nations contradicts this vision, though athletes have tested boundaries throughout history.
Early defiance includes Irish athlete Peter O’Connor scaling a flagpole at the 1906 Athens Games to display an Irish flag proclaiming ‘Erin Go Bragh.’ A landmark case occurred in 1968 Mexico City, where U.S. sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised gloved fists in a Black Power salute on the podium, leading to their suspension.
Recent Examples of Boundary-Pushing
Modern instances range from Canadian pentathlete Monica Pinette wearing a Métis sash at the 2004 Athens closing ceremonies to Ethiopian runner Feyisa Lilesa crossing his arms at the 2016 Rio finish line in solidarity with the Oromo people. In Tokyo 2020, German field hockey player Nike Lorenz donned a rainbow band supporting 2SLGBTQ+ rights.
Kidd highlights enforcement contradictions, suggesting statements avoiding nation-state conflicts face less scrutiny. He emphasizes the Olympics’ aim to unite diverse athletes amid global tensions, fostering respect despite deep divisions.
‘Trying to include the entire world of sport is complicated enough. But then you throw in all of the differences and all of the conflicts around the world, and you try to govern that in a way that will enhance respect and understanding between people who hate each other,’ Kidd said. ‘That’s a real challenge.’
