IOC’s handling of political expressions and participation: the jury is out

The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics have been marred by controversies highlighting tensions between athletic competition and geopolitical conflicts. Two incidents – the disqualification of Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych on 12 February, and a broadcasting scandal involving Israeli bobsleigh athlete Adam Edelman on 17 February – have raised questions about whether the International Olympic Committee (IOC) applies its rules inconsistently, potentially constituting a double standard.

Drawing from reliable sources such as official IOC statements and reports from major news outlets, , this assessment verifies the events and evaluates the claims.

The disqualification of Vladyslav Heraskevych

Vladyslav Heraskevych, Ukraine’s flag bearer at the opening ceremony and a medal contender in men’s skeleton, was barred from competing just 45 minutes before his first run on 12 February. The issue centered on his “helmet of remembrance,” which featured artwork depicting over 20 Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The IOC deemed this a violation of its Guidelines on Athlete Expression, rooted in Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits political, religious, or racial propaganda at Olympic sites, including during competitions.

Heraskevych refused a last-minute plea to switch helmets, leading the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) jury to disqualify him. The IOC initially withdrew his accreditation but later reinstated it, allowing him to remain at the Games.

Heraskevych’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was denied on 13 February, with the arbitrator ruling that the guidelines strike a “reasonable balance” between expression and undivided focus on sport. In statements, Heraskevych emphasized dignity over medals, saying, “This is the price of our dignity.” Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, condemned the decision, while Heraskevych’s father, Mykhailo, was visibly emotional in interviews. The IOC framed the ban as enforcing neutrality on the field of play, not censoring personal views elsewhere.

The scandal involving Adam Edelman

On 17 February a separate controversy erupted during the men’s two-man bobsleigh event. Swiss public broadcaster RTS aired commentary by Stefan Renna questioning why Israeli athlete Adam Edelman was allowed to compete. Renna alleged Edelman, piloting with brakeman Menachem Chen, supported Israel’s military actions in Gaza – which the journalist described as “genocide” – and had mocked a “Free Palestine” inscription online. Renna argued this violated IOC rules on political statements and athletes’ military ties, drawing parallels to bans on Russian and Belarusian athletes and Heraskevych’s disqualification.

RTS removed the commentary from its website, calling it factual but inappropriately lengthy for a sports broadcast. The IOC declined direct comment, redirecting inquiries to broadcasters, while the IBSF did not respond. Edelman, the first Orthodox Jew to represent Israel at a Winter Olympics, denounced the remarks as a “diatribe” on Instagram, focusing on his team’s grassroots achievements. Notably, Edelman is a former Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) soldier, but no IOC action was taken against him. The scandal amplified calls for Israel’s exclusion, similar to Russia and Belarus, amid the Gaza conflict.

Is this an IOC double standard?

Critics are affirmative, pointing to inconsistencies in how the IOC enforces neutrality and participation rules amid ongoing wars. The IOC banned Russia and Belarus from team competitions following the 2022 Ukraine invasion, citing violations of the Olympic Charter – specifically, Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian sports organizations in occupied territories. Russian and Belarusian athletes can only compete as neutrals if they do not actively support the war or serve in the military. In contrast, Israel faces no such blanket restrictions despite the Gaza war, which has killed over 71,000 Palestinians (per Gaza health authorities, deemed credible by the UN) and destroyed sports infrastructure. The IOC insists the situations differ: Russia breached territorial integrity in sports governance, while Israel has not annexed Palestinian Olympic bodies.

Regarding athlete expressions, Heraskevych’s helmet was deemed a prohibited on-field statement, leading to disqualification. Yet, allegations against Edelman – public support for Israel’s actions and military service – have not prompted similar IOC scrutiny. Critics label this hypocrisy, noting the IOC’s “selective neutrality.” Activists and outlets like TRT World and The Collegian highlight that over 800 Palestinian athletes have died, yet Israel competes under its flag. The IOC counters that it avoids “double standards” by addressing specific Charter violations, not broader conflicts.

In summary, while the IOC maintains consistent application based on technical breaches, substantial evidence from credible sources supports perceptions of a double standard. As the Games continue, these issues underscore the challenge of keeping sports apolitical in a divided world.

Caption: Vladyslav Heraskevych of Ukraine wears a helmet in memory of the Ukrainian athletes who died in the war during the Men’s Skeleton training session at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, 11 February 2026. EPA/DANIEL DAL ZENNARO