Ukrainian parabiathlete Alexandra Kononova received a reprimand from representatives of the International Paralympic Committee because of the earrings with the inscription “Stop War”, in which she competed at the 2026 Paralympics, writes “Suspilne Sport”. After the organizers contacted her, the athlete changed her accessory on the next competition day.

Kononova won her second individual medal at the 2026 Games. First, she won gold in the parabiathlon sprint among standing class athletes, after which she added bronze in the individual race.

According to the athlete, after the sprint, representatives of the organizers reprimanded her because of the inscription on her earrings. She recounted the conversation, noting that she was informed that such inscriptions were prohibited by the competition regulations, although she entered the race with exactly these earrings: “After the sprint, they made a remark and said that according to the regulations, the inscription “Stop War” on earrings is not allowed.”.

The biathlete added that she expected such a reaction and perceives patriotic accessories as an important part of her motivation..

According to her, she feels comfortable because she was ready for the notice, and such symbols have personal meaning for her: “This is my state of mind when I put on patriotic earrings, clothes, uniform, flag. It means a lot to me. This is what I live and work for. I am inspired by my country, anthem and flag"

The next day, Kononova went to the start wearing other patriotic earrings in the form of the inscription “LOVE” in yellow and blue colors, where the letter “O” was replaced by a map of Ukraine.