Athlete defies Russia with sneaky sign at Winter Olympics

An athlete has flashed a pointed message to the world about Russia, prompting an investigation at Winter Olympics officials.

An athlete from Ukraine was investigated by the International Olympic Committee after flashing a sign to the broadcast camera before he competed in the men’s skeleton event on Friday night.

Vladyslav Heraskevych showed a blue and yellow sign to the world before on his final day of competition on Friday.

The sign carried a simple message that read “No War in Ukraine”.

It comes as the United States on Saturday warned a Russian invasion, starting with civilians caught under aerial bombing, could begin in days.

The United states has told its citizens to leave Ukraine within 48 hours. More than 100,000 Russian troops are currently massed next to the Ukraine border.

Heraskevych’s sign risked breaking rigid IOC rules which outlaws athletes from any form of political statement.

Vladyslav Heraskevych of Team Ukraine slides during the Men's Singles Skeleton. Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images.

His sign has received international interest at a time when his country is gripped by fear.

“It’s my position. Like any normal people, I don’t want war,” Heraskevych said after he finished competing, according to The Associated Press.

“I want peace in my country, and I want peace in the world. It’s my position, so I fight for that. I fight for peace.

“In Ukraine, it’s really nervous now. A lot of news about guns, about weapons, what’s to come in Ukraine, about some armies around Ukraine. It’s not OK. Not in the 21st century. So I decided, before the Olympics, that I would show my position to the world.”

The IOC has since confirmed it reviewed the demonstration made by Heraskevych, but the governing body has ruled that no rule breach occurred.

Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter states “no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas”.

Vladyslav Heraskevych in his national colours. Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images.

The IOC has recently relaxed its interpretation of the rule, allowing athletes to express their views and opinions inside Olympic venues while not competing — as well as in posts made to social media.

The IOC has released a statement announcing that the matter has been closed.

Heraskevych finished 18th in the men’s skeleton run with the event being won by Germany.

Host country China also won its first-ever medal in a Winter Olympics sliding event with Yan Wengang winning bronze.

“This medal should make China very confident for the future of skeleton,” said Yan.

“We have home ground advantage, and that just made me feel we can’t not capitalise on that and win a medal.

“I really really wanted the gold medal, but I’m not good enough for that.

“It’s very hard to beat Germany with their pool of talent, their resources and technology, they’re just so strong. But we never let that affect us.”

So far, German racers have won eight of the 15 medals — including all five golds — up for grabs in the sliding events so far at these Winter Games.

— with AFP