Ukrainian: 'Train has left' as helmet appeal heard

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has heard the appeal of Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych regarding his disqualification from the Milan Cortina Games. Heraskevych was disqualified after displaying a "No War in Ukraine" message on his helmet during the competition. Despite the appeal, Heraskevych acknowledges that even if he wins the case, he will not be able to compete in the games. The "train has left," as he puts it, referring to the fact that the competition has already concluded. The case highlights the complex intersection of sports and politics, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While athletes are expected to maintain neutrality, Heraskevych's act was seen as a political statement, leading to his disqualification. The outcome of the appeal, though unlikely to affect the competition's results, will nonetheless be watched closely as it sets a precedent for how sports governing bodies handle similar situations in the future.