Kirstie Coventry

International Olympic Committee President Kirstie Coventry said at a press conference Friday she respects Vladislav Hereskevich's desire to honor athletes killed in Ukraine during the war.

But she's standing by the ruling that his helmet, painted with faces of the dead, amounts to political speech.

Critics point out the IOC has allowed memorials in past Olympics.

Those killed in the 9-11 terror attacks were honored repeatedly at the Salt Lake City Games in 2002.

Haraskevich is now appealing his disqualification to an international sports tribunal.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport said in a statement they're reviewing the matter with urgency.

Men's skeleton racers compete here again today.

Brian Mann, NPR News, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.