Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the decision to disqualify him from the Winter Olympics.

Heraskevych was ruled out of the event by the International Olympic Committee before competition began, with his helmet, which features pictures of people killed in the war with Russia, judged to have contravened rules concerning statements in the field of play.

With the first two runs of the event having taken place after Heraskevych was disqualified and with the final two heats on Friday evening, he has requested either reinstatement or a supervised run to keep him in the competition pending a final decision by CAS, the body said.

A CAS statement read: “Mr Heraskevych argues that the exclusion is disproportionate, unsupported by any technical or safety violation and causes irreparable sporting harm to him.”

Heraskevych did not compete after in-person discussions with IOC president Kirsty Coventry at the Cortina Sliding Centre before the start on Thursday morning failed to yield a satisfactory conclusion.

Speaking after the decision was announced, Heraskevych said: “Yesterday we had a formal meeting and today we had (one) just before the race with Mrs Coventry here, at the venue – me, my dad, and Mrs Coventry.

“In Ukraine now, we also have a lot of tears and I don’t want to downsize her feelings, but I believe that we should be controlled by the rules and I believe that we didn’t violate it.

“I want to also thank her for kind words, what she told me in this meeting. But as I told her, this situation again plays along with Russian propaganda, and it does not look good.

“I believe I did a great proposal for them this morning, when I proposed to allow me to use this helmet, and also to show solidarity with Ukraine, and give some generators for Ukraine.

“I believe it’s a great way to show that you have solidarity with Ukraine and to remove all this scandal.

“Because also, from another point of view, this situation is very terrible for this venue and for this race. I believe because of IOC actions, that Olympic moment was stolen not only for me, but also from others from this venue.

“Because of this scandal, now all you (the media) are here, you’re not watching the race, and I believe it’s a terrible mistake made by the IOC.”

IOC spokesman Mark Adams said on Wednesday the organisation was “begging” Heraskevych to reconsider his position, with a compromise of a black armband suggested, but the slider remains convinced the rules have been misinterpreted.

He said: “I believe it’s totally wrong to do this decision today. Especially when we had already on these Olympic Games other cases, when others in almost equal situations were treated differently and didn’t face any sanctions.

“Rule 50 has to do nothing with this helmet and despite that we were suspended. So I have really bad thoughts and I believe that this situation also plays along with Russian propaganda.

“I saw that this news was treated very well in Russia.”

Coventry stressed the IOC’s decision was not a political one and cited the wishes of the IOC Athletes’ Commission in refusing to make an exception for Heraskevych.

Coventry said: “We’re not making a judgement on whether the message is political or not political, or has a statement or doesn’t make a statement. It’s any messaging, any form of messaging.

“That’s how the athletes back in 2020, 2021, came up with saying we should not allow any messaging on the field of play, on the podium and in the Olympic village.

“But they wanted other space – the mixed zone, talking to the press, press conferences, as soon as you come off the field of play, that’s there, he can do that. It’s just the field of play.”

It was later announced that Heraskevych’s accreditation would not be withdrawn after Coventry intervened, which means he can continue to be at the Games even if he is not being able to compete.

Cracknell was a late call-up for the November series after the loss of Taulupe Faletau to injury.

The 31-year-old blind-side or number eight made his Test debut off the bench against Argentina and then won man of the match in the last-kick win versus Japan.

Cracknell is in line to join Aaron Wainwright and Alex Mann in the starting back row at the expense of open-side Josh Macleod.

“The balance probably wasn’t right last weekend,” said former Wales flanker and captain Ellis Jenkins.

“It’s making sure we have enough physicality so that we can match France at the contact area, tackle and collision.

“I like Alex Mann and Josh Macleod in their own right, but I am not sure against England and France whether it’s a bit under-powered.”

Wales could stick with a split of six forwards and two backs on the bench against the physicality of Les Bleus.

Tandy’s side are huge underdogs against a France side that eased past Ireland on opening weekend.

Wales have lost their past 12 games in the Six Nations, a streak that goes back to the win against Italy in Rome in March 2023.

Preparing for Hong Kong, Ethan Brown kept his rich vein of form alive with a repeat Caulfield double inside three days, contrasting his successes on two on-money shots at Monday’s Super Bowl program held on the Heath circuit.

The rider dominated with untapped gelding Yes Yoshi ($1.65) in the third contest before a photo-finish triumph astride She’s A Hustler ($1.50) two events hence.

Brown’s pair of engagements were Yes Yoshi and She’s A Hustler, his premiere raceday encounters with each.

Ciaron Maher’s She’s A Hustler shrugged off three short-priced disappointments from her prep’s outset, hampered early according to Brown, who felt the slim margin understated her performance around the tight track.

“It’s hard being back and wide around this track and I know she’s only won by the barest of margins, but there was a lot more merit (to the win) than it looked,” he said.

“She’s on the way up. She’s a very nice horse going forward and (there’s) no better way to kick off your prep.”

She’s An Artist, a Trapeze Artist filly with a 50% strike rate from six goes, repelled Excess ($13) in a short half-head thriller at 1100m BM78 level, Along The River ($6) one length back in the minor placing.

Yes Yoshi provided Brown a cruise, the Yes Yes Yes youngster sealing back-to-back wins via a decisive 1-1/4 length routing of Savitri in the 1200m Class 1, impressing post his Sale debut heroics.

Trained by Charlotte Littlefield, the immature three-year-old’s display drew this observation from Brown:

“He’s a big baby at the minute, but for him to win like that and show that sort of sort of ability as immature as he is is quite exciting going forward,” Brown said.

Mirroring his Saturday conquests aboard Observer and Light Infantry Man, Brown’s haul tied him for second on 29 with Craig Williamson on the Victorian jockeys’ metro premiership, seven adrift of hurt leader Mark Zahra.

Yet the 26-year-old’s confirmed Hong Kong deal for the final quarter-season spells limited local time left.

Doubles were also recorded by Jamie Mott and Logan Bates amid the seven-race slate.

Leading online bookmakers offer enhanced prices on Caulfield feature clashes.

The post Ethan Brown bags another Caulfield double first appeared on Just Horse Racing.

The City of Preston Gymnastics Club collected the 2026 British Gymnastics Foundation, Transforming Lives Through Gymnastics Award.

A Lancashire-based gymnastics club has won a prestigious title at the British Gymnastics Awards.

The City of Preston Gymnastics Club collected the 2026 British Gymnastics Foundation, Transforming Lives Through Gymnastics Award.

This award recognises an outstanding person or organisation who/that has done most to help the British Gymnastics Foundation to transform lives through gymnastics.

It is anticipated that the nominated person or organisation will have transformed lives through gymnastics, using one of the British Gymnastics Foundation’s charitable programmes.

City of Preston Gymnastics Club consistently goes above and beyond in supporting gymnastics families and the wider community. Their caring ethos shines through in everything they do, from offering funding assistance and fee reductions to organizing fundraising initiatives that ease financial pressures for families when they are going through difficult times.

The club’s commitment to transforming lives was powerfully demonstrated last year, when they rallied local people and tradesmen to help renovate the home of one of their gymnasts.

The gymnast’s mother was receiving treatment for a stage 4 diagnosis, and the family’s kitchen renovation had been left unfinished. The club not only ensured the kitchen was completed but also arranged for other rooms to be decorated and for the garden to be brightened with plants donated by the community.

A spokesperson from the club said: “We’re truly honoured to receive this award. It’s actually quite emotional, because everything we do as a club is rooted in care and community. Supporting our families through both the joyful moments and the most difficult times is simply what we believe a club should do. This award really belongs to our members, families, volunteers, coaches and supporters – we’re just so proud and grateful to be part of such an incredible community at City of Preston Gymnastics.”

This act of compassion reflects the club’s true spirit: they are more than a place for sport, they are a hub of kindness, resilience, and support. City of Preston Gymnastics Club embodies what it means to transform lives, showing that their heart extends far beyond the gym floor.

British Gymnastics CEO Sarah Powell said: “The 2026 British Gymnastics Awards recognise and celebrate the exceptional people, delivering, participating, or supporting the wonderful sport of gymnastics. This year’s finalists embody the passion, dedication, and care that ensure gymnastics stays enjoyable, safe, and accessible for all, creating positive change for individuals and communities.

“To all our finalists and winners, congratulations on this outstanding achievement. Your commitment inspires us every day, and you should feel incredibly proud of the impact you’ve made. Thank you for everything you do.”

The 2026 British Gymnastics Awards recognise exceptional people and organisations that help keep gymnastics enjoyable, safe, and open to everyone, making a positive contribution to individuals, local communities, and wider society. Visit British Gymnastics Awards for more information.

League A

Group A1: France, Italy, Belgium, Turkey

Group A2: Germany, Netherlands, Serbia, Greece

Group A3: Spain, Croatia, England, Czech Republic

Group A4: Portugal, Denmark, Norway, Wales

League B

Group B1: Scotland, Switzerland, Slovenia, North Macedonia

Group B2: Hungary, Ukraine, Georgia, Northern Ireland

Group B3: Israel, Austria, Republic of Ireland, Kosovo

Group B4: Poland, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Romania, Sweden

League C

Group C1: Albania, Finland, Belarus, San Marino

Group C2: Montenegro, Armenia, Cyprus, Gibraltar/Latvia*

Group C3: Kazakhstan, Slovakia, Faroe Islands, Moldova

Group C4: Iceland, Bulgaria, Estonia, Luxembourg/Malta*

League D

Group D1: Gibraltar/Latvia, Luxembourg/Malta, Andorra

Group D2: Lithuania, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein

*Gibraltar and Latvia, and Luxembourg and Malta, will contest play-offs in March to determine who will play in Leagues C and D.

Cleveland Browns star edge rusher Myles Garrett dominated the NFL this season, winning Defensive Player of the Year unanimously, and now hopes his girlfriend, Chloe Kim, dominates the Olympics.

The 25-year-old completed her qualification run in the women’s halfpipe on Wednesday, and Garrett made sure to capture it all. The 30-year-old was pictured with a camera bag and was snapping photos throughout Kim’s run.

Kim tore her labrum in her left shoulder just a month before the Olympic Games in January after falling in a training session, but is competing. She had the best qualifying run of the day on Wednesday with a score of 90.25.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Chloe Kim of Team United States competes in run two of the women’s snowboard halfpipe qualification on day five of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at Livigno Snow Park in Livigno, Italy, on Feb. 11, 2026. (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Kim is seeking a third consecutive gold medal in the women’s halfpipe, and would be the first snowboarder to ever do it. Shaun White, the legendary American snowboarder, won three gold medals in the event, but not in consecutive Olympics.

“I’m just going to do what I came here to do, and if they decide to give it to me, then awesome,” Kim said this week, via NBC News.

“But I’m really just grateful to be in the position where I’ve won all these events multiple times. The fact that I’m able to be here and riding and being confident is all I can ask for.”

AMERICAN OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST BREEZY JOHNSON GETS ENGAGED DURING WINTER GAMES

Cleveland Browns’ Myles Garrett, left, and United States’ Chloe Kim smile after the women’s snowboard halfpipe qualifications at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy, on Feb. 11, 2026. (Lindsey Wasson/AP Photo)

Garrett, who set the NFL’s single-season sack record this season with 23, said that Kim had been a rock for him during the football season and that he wants to be the same for her.

“We’re both just so supportive of one another,” Garrett told People.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

United States’ Chloe Kim reacts during the women’s snowboard halfpipe qualifications at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Livigno, Italy, on Feb. 11, 2026. (Lindsey Wasson/AP Photo)

“She’s always texting, she’s always calling to see how I’m doing during the year and I’m doing the same right now, checking on her, seeing how she’s feeling, emotionally and physically.”

The couple have been linked since May 2025 and seemed to make their romance official in November 2025 when they shared a pregame kiss.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

In his first 15 seasons as head coach of the Oregon men’s basketball program, Dana Altman strung together 15-straight 20+ win seasons, never missing a postseason appearance.

Those streaks have come tumbling down in Season 16, a campaign in which many expected the Ducks (8-16, 1-12) to compete for a Big Ten title and make a run in the NCAA Tournament.

The expectations were largely predicated on the health and play of Altman’s top two players, Jackson Shelstad and Nate Bittle, both of whom have struggled through injuries.

Here’s a look at the season no one saw coming.

In short, the Oregon roster has been beaten up all season.

Bittle returned to the floor last weekend against Purdue after missing the better part of the last month, leading the team with 23 points in 34 minutes as UO nearly upset the 13th-ranked Boilermakers.

Despite the promising outing at Purdue, the Ducks followed the close loss with a blowout defeat at Indiana two days later, stretching their losing streak to 10 games.

Advertisement

Currently the fifth-longest skid in the nation—and the longest among all Power Five programs—it marks the first time in Dana Altman’s 37-year career that his troops have dropped 10 straight.

It is also Oregon’s longest losing streak since the 2008-09 season, before Altman’s arrival, when the Ducks lost 14 in a row en route to dropping 17 of their last 19 games.

The bugaboo for Oregon all season long has been their struggles from the floor. The Ducks rank 309th in the nation in shooting percentage at 42.5%.

That was an issue again on the most recent road trip.

Against Purdue, they lit it up in the first half, only to connect on just 37% of their shots after halftime, allowing the game to slip away in the end.

Advertisement

Their shooting woes continued for much of Monday night as they shot just 40% against Indiana in the first half.

In the second half, they managed to knock down 50% from the floor, but it’s little help when you allow the opposition to connect on 81.8% of their shots.

And that brings us to another recurring problem this season: The Ducks have struggled to protect the hoop.

Oregon has allowed opponents to shoot 49.2% from the floor during their 10-game slide. On the season, they are 239th nationally in FG defense.

Advertisement

Again, a big reason for that has been injuries and the loss of their All-Big Ten-caliber defender for a significant time. Bittle has not been playing at the all-conference level on that side of the ball.

But who can blame him?

He is playing on not one, but two bad ankles at the moment, and he just doesn’t have the lift he needs to contest shots. He has been plagued by a foot injury of some kind all season.

Credit the fifth-year senior for continuing to battle. It would have been easy for him to pack it in for the season.

Advertisement

Missing a pair of All-Big Ten-caliber performers is never easy to overcome; add in the numerous other injuries and missed time in the lineup, and the result has been predictably disastrous.

It has certainly shown on the offensive end of the floor. The Ducks just don’t have the firepower to keep up when the defense gets away from them.

This figures to be the first time in Altman’s tenure in Eugene that his Ducks fail to win at least 20 games.

Yet, much like Bittle, the team is still playing hard and battling, as was evident in taking Purdue to the wire in West Lafayette.

writes about various topics for SuperWest sports, including stats and records, college sports, and motorsports. He also founded and runs the Sports and Entertainment Research Center (SERC).

Latest posts by Stephen Vilardo (see all)