Ukraine Olympian's banned skeleton helmet draws support at Ottawa rally.

The International Olympic Committee barred Ukrainian skeleton slider Vladyslav Heraskevych from competing over a helmet meant to honour fallen teammates, and about 300 people gathered on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Vladyslav Heraskevych's disqualification at the Winter Olympics over a helmet meant to honour fallen Ukrainian athletes became a focal point at a rally on Parliament Hill. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress organized the event to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. About 300 people attended the Ottawa gathering. Organizers and speakers connected the helmet and the IOC decision to wider debates over expression in sport. Key details: - The International Olympic Committee and the sport's international governing body barred Heraskevych from competing after ruling his helmet violated rules on athlete expression. - Approximately 300 demonstrators gathered on Parliament Hill as one of many events across Canada marking the anniversary. - A makeshift replica of the helmet was displayed by Maryna Shum, who moved from Kyiv to Canada in 2022. - Canadian political figures, including senators and members of parliament, spoke at the rally, and representatives from several embassies attended. - Speakers highlighted Canada's financial support for Ukraine and voiced criticism of the IOC decision. Summary: The helmet has become a focal symbol for those marking the anniversary and has prompted public criticism of the IOC's rules on athlete expression. The rally brought political and diplomatic figures to Parliament Hill and emphasised remembrance. Undetermined at this time.