Ukraine helmet row reveals IOC’s selective neutrality

The IOC banned Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych for wearing a helmet featuring portraits of Ukrainian victims, citing Rule 50 and Olympic neutrality. Critics argue the move exposes a double standard—contrasting harsher treatment of Ukraine with more lenient handling of symbols from Russia and other politically charged cases—and highlight broader questions about the IOC’s ability to promote peace and human rights through sport.