British Skeleton Team Appeals Helmet Ban Before 2026 Olympics

Great Britain's skeleton team faces uncertainty over its new helmets just days before the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics begin in Italy, after the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation ruled the equipment noncompliant with safety regulations.

The federation, known as the IBSF, banned the helmets on January 29, citing violations related to their shape, which includes aerodynamic ridges designed to enhance performance in the headfirst sliding sport. The British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association promptly appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with a hearing scheduled for Thursday in Milan. A ruling is expected the following day, ahead of the opening ceremony on Friday and the men's skeleton competition on February 12 in Cortina d'Ampezzo.

The helmets, developed with input from Formula 1 and cycling partners, were intended to give Team GB an edge in a discipline where aerodynamics play a critical role. The association argues that the design meets rigorous safety standards and offers superior protection compared to other helmets in use. According to a statement from the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the British group is seeking a determination...