Explainer-Rules on athletes expressing themselves at the Winter Games

MILAN, Feb 12 : The ejection of Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych from the Winter Games over his "helmet of remembrance" has put the spotlight on rules over where athletes are not allowed to express themselves on political matters at the Olympics.

Heraskevych was barred and stripped of his accreditation minutes before competition was due to start at the sliding venue on Thursday. The helmet depicts two dozen Ukrainian athletes killed since Russia's invasion of the country in 2022.

ARE ATHLETES FREE TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES AT THE GAMES?

Athletes can express their views during the Olympics but there are a number of restrictions set by the International Olympic Committee designed to keep athletes focused on sporting competitions and away from controversial political issues.

Rule 50.2 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."

WHY DOES RULE 50.2 EXIST?

The IOC says the focus during the Games should only be on sporting achievement and the competitions. Other issues would only detract from what was happening on the field of play, while also making the co-existence of athletes from more than 200 nations more difficult. It is a fundamental principle of the IOC that the Olympic Games remain politically neutral.

WHERE CAN ATHLETES EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS?

Athletes can raise issues that are of interest or concern to them at any of the Games press conferences, mixed zones, team meetings, interviews or on social media. 

They can also do it on the field of play prior to their competition as long as it does not violate the Olympic Charter on discrimination. Participants are expected to respect their fellow athletes and