Ukrainian writer's heartfelt reaction to disqualified Ukrainian Olympic athletic "as if Ukraine is not a field of play"

[Amaryllis]

https://viktorkravchuk.substack.com/p/he-chose-a-helmet-over-a-medal

He Chose a Helmet Over a Medal
The race went on. He did not.
Viktor Kravchuk
Feb 12, 2026

He did not start.

He was stopped because of his helmet.

Vladyslav Heraskevych had covered it with the faces of Ukrainian athletes killed since Russia invaded. Boxers. Weightlifters. Ice hockey players. A dancer. Young men and women who trained for competitions and now exist only in photographs.

The International Olympic Committee said the helmet violated the rules on athlete expression. No messaging allowed on the field of play.

Field of play.

As if Ukraine is not a field of play.

As if war is not the most brutal competition on earth.

much more at link

[SheltieLover]

1. I'm so angry about this I will never even click on a link about the Olympics.

Afraid to hurt pootin's fefes?

Fuckers!

[3catwoman3]

2. This really pisses me off.

The height of hypocrisy, given that the IOC has banned Russia because they invaded Ukraine.

[Johonny]

3. IOC the worst part of the Olympics

And always has been

[Cha]

4. I could barely read this through Tears

of heartbreaking sadness.

Vladyslav Heraskevych “My Olympic moment was stolen.”

Mahalo, Amaryllis~💔☮️🌺🌻🕯️🕊️💜