A Ukrainian skeleton sledder flashed a sign advocating for peace between his home country and Russia after finishing his run at the Beijing Winter Olympics despite strict rules against political statements at the games.
Vladyslav Heraskevych, 23, held up a small paper sign depicting his country’s flag that read “No war in Ukraine” after competing Friday night. It was the first political demonstration by an athlete at these Olympics, which began on Feb. 4.
“It’s my position. Like any normal people, I don’t want war,” Heraskevych told 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.”
Heraskevych decided to make the statement before the Olympics, saying that people in Ukraine are “really nervous” right now.
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The International Olympic Committee said it would not be taking action.
“This was a general call for peace. For the IOC, the matter is closed,” the IOC told the Associated Press.
Some had speculated that the athlete could face repercussions under Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which says that no “demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas.”
China has warned against protests of any kind while it hosts the games. Yang Shu, an official with Beijing’s organizing committee, said last month that “any behavior or speeches” against the “Olympic spirit,” especially those against Chinese law and regulation, would be subject to “certain punishment.”
At the start of the Olympics, China followed through with its threats by arresting an elderly protester in Hong Kong who called the Beijing Games the “Coffin Winter Olympics” on charges of inciting subversion.
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More than 100,000 Russian troops are gathering near the border of Ukraine, according to recent reports. On Friday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that Russia could invade Ukraine “at any time,” and President Joe Biden has urged U.S. nationals to leave the country.
The IOC did not respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment.
