Olympic athlete protests Ukraine conflict as China threatens crackdown on dissent

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.