The decision to disqualify Heraskevych has drawn shock and condemnation from many former and current Olympic athletes.

Lizzy Yarnold, Team GB's two-time Olympic skeleton gold medallist, told BBC Sport: "I think it is actually quite shocking.

Within the sliding community there is shock and confusion. "This [wearing the helmet] was a reaction to something which was an act of memorial and incredibly emotionally important to him. "I think the IOC owe him an apology and this was the wrong decision. "

Two-time Olympic bobsledder John Jackson was equally unimpressed with the IOC.

Jackson, who also served as a Royal Marines commando, told the BBC: "His approach to that is about remembering those who have fallen. "For me, being military and now a veteran, remembrance is really important to all veterans. We have all lost friends and colleagues in conflict, and we all know someone who isn't here and paid the ultimate sacrifice. "I support him in what he was trying to achieve. It is really important to remember those who have given their life for something that ultimately doesn't need to happen. "

Heraskevych meanwhile told the BBC that being banned only left him feeling "emptiness. "

"Yesterday and before yesterday I was training good. I could be among the medallists for this event, but suddenly because of some interpretation of the rules that I do not agree with, I am not able to compete," he said.

"Expression guidelines - what do you consider as expression?

Many others here in this arena have helmets with different colours and I believe that is also a kind of expression. "Some others had national symbols, that is also expression. For some reason, their helmets weren't checked and they were allowed to compete but I am not.

"I believe they [those who have fallen] deserve to be here because of their sacrifice.

I want to honour them and their families. "

Heraskevych's international team mates showed their support throughout Thursday's competition in Italy.

Alpine skier Dmytro Shepiuk displayed a note reading "Ukrainian heroes with us" after competing, while luger Olena Smaha also voiced support for Heraskevych wearing a glove reading: "Remembrance is not a violation. "

Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky accused the IOC of "playing into the hands of the Russian aggressor" after Heraskevych's disqualification "Sport shouldn't mean amnesia, and the Olympic movement should help stop wars, not play into the hands of aggressors," he wrote on X, external.

"Unfortunately, the decision of the International Olympic Committee to disqualify Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych says otherwise

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