BERLIN, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Germany's chancellor on Monday weighed in on the disqualification of a Ukrainian athlete from the Milano Cortina Olympics, saying the helmet that prompted his dismissal was
Germany's Merz: Disqualified athlete's helmet shows Ukraine's courage
Merz's Remarks on Helmet Symbolism and Ukraine
BERLIN, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Germany's chancellor on Monday weighed in on the disqualification of a Ukrainian athlete from the Milano Cortina Olympics, saying the helmet that prompted his dismissal was a symbol of the nation's bravery.
Statement on Courage and Suffering
"This helmet is a symbol of the Ukrainian people's resistance and its unwavering courage. It is also a symbol of the suffering caused by Russia's barbaric war of aggression," Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in a speech in Berlin.
International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation Ruling
Reason for Disqualification
Skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was removed from the Olympic programme on February 12, when the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation jury ruled that the depiction of athletes killed since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 breached rules on political neutrality.
Appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport
The Court of Arbitration for Sport later dismissed Heraskevych's appeal. Merz did not specifically comment on the disqualification.
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by Ludwig Burger and Andreas Rinke, editing by Linda Pasquini)
