A Ukrainian skier who withdrew from the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi due to violence in Kiev has said that the International Olympic Committee's ban on black armbands contributed to her decision.
Bogdana Matsotska was due to compete in the slalom event on Friday, having already finished 27th in the women's super-G and 43rd in the giant slalom.
The 24-year-old had considered competing and shouting "glory to Ukraine", the main slogan of the protesters in Kiev, as she crossed the finishing line, but eventually decided to not take part at all.
Matsotska told reporters: "We wanted to wear black armbands to mourn the people who have died in Kiev, but the IOC told us it was not allowed. In these conditions it is simply not possible to compete. We don't feel comfortable here and we can't compete."
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said on Thursday that the organisation had not banned black armbands, and that the Ukrainian delegation had in fact not asked to wear them.
"My understanding is they had a discussion about what would be the most appropriate and best sort of thing to do. They decided to do other things," Adams told reporters.
At least 33 people died in Ukraine on Thursday after riot police clashed with people protesting against the government of Viktor Yanukovych.
Benjamin Topliss
