Ukrainian para biathlete Oleksandra Kononova has reported receiving a warning from the International Paralympic Committee regarding her earrings, which featured the phrase “Stop War,” during her competition at the 2026 Paralympic Games.
Kononova secured her second personal medal at the Games, first winning gold in the standing class sprint event, followed by a bronze in the individual race.
In an exclusive interview with Suspilne Sport, Kononova discussed the warning she received after wearing the earrings on the opening day of the competition. The organizers indicated that the inscription on her earrings violated competition regulations.
After her initial race, Kononova opted for a different pair of patriotic earrings in subsequent events. Despite the warning regarding her “Stop War” earrings, she expressed her comfort in wearing them, stating, “I was prepared for the warning. It reflects my emotional state when I wear patriotic accessories, clothing, and the flag. It means a lot to me; it inspires me in sports: my country, the anthem, the flag. Everything related to this is with me.”
“After the sprint, I received a warning, stating that the inscription ‘Stop War’ on the earrings was not permitted according to regulations, even though I wore them during the race. I feel comfortable because I was ready for the warning. This is my emotional state when I wear patriotic earrings, clothing, and the flag. It means a lot to me; it inspires me in sports: my country, the anthem, the flag. Everything related to this is with me.”
At the Olympic Games in Milan, several athletes faced restrictions on competing in patriotic attire. Freestyler Kateryna Kotsar was not allowed to compete wearing a helmet inscribed with “Be brave like Ukrainians,” while short tracker Oleg Handiy was similarly barred for wearing a helmet featuring a quote from poet Lina Kostenko. Additionally, Vladyslav Geraskevych was disqualified for intending to compete in a helmet honoring fallen Ukrainian athletes.
Oleksandra Kononova, a Ukrainian para biathlete, received a warning for wearing earrings with the phrase 'Stop War' during the 2026 Paralympic Games. Despite the warning, she expressed her commitment to representing her country through her choice of attire.
Source: Suspilne Sport