Venom Helmet Turns Heads as U.S. Skeleton Racer Competes at Winter Olympics
Austin Florian’s eye-catching helmet — painted to resemble the comic-book antihero Venom — became a viral talking point during men’s skeleton competition in Cortina d'Ampezzo on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 (ET). Florian combined a striking visual with competitive runs, while a separate helmet dispute involving another rider cast a shadow over the event.
Venom design grabs fan attention
Florian’s helmet drew immediate attention from fans and commentators on social channels, who praised the intricate artwork and bold choice. The black-and-white, toothy visage of Venom provided a stark contrast to the more conservative helmets commonly seen on the start hill, and the design became one of the more talked-about visuals of the day.
Performance on the Cortina ice
On Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026 (ET), Florian put up solid times. He finished the first heat in 14th place with a run of 56. 95 seconds, recording the fastest start among the field in that heat. He improved to 13th after the second heat, posting a combined time of 1: 53. 54. The competition was far from settled; a third heat was scheduled for later on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 (ET), leaving room for movement in the final standings.
Helmet dispute overshadows the day
The competition’s mood was affected earlier in the session when Ukrainian slider Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified after refusing an instruction related to his helmet. His helmet featured images of Ukrainian athletes and coaches who have been killed during the country’s war, and the matter prompted an official intervention. The high-profile disagreement dominated headlines and conversations among athletes and spectators alike.
Athlete reactions and focus
Florian said the team tried to stay focused despite the drama. “We’re generally pretty focused on what we’re doing. We’re aware of it. Everyone’s aware of it, obviously. And we try not to let it affect us, but you've got to do what you've got to do and he’s going to do what he’s going to do at the end of the day. And it’s a bummer, ” he said after racing on Thursday. Teammates acknowledged the distraction but emphasized preparation and execution on the ice as the priority.
Implications for the U. S. team and next steps
Florian’s mid-pack position leaves him well placed to challenge for a higher finish in the remaining heats. His strong starts and consistent lines suggest upward potential in the final classification. Another U. S. competitor, Dan Barefoot, held a lower placing and was dealing with a shoulder issue, which limited his effectiveness on the track.
What fans should watch
With the third heat looming on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026 (ET), attention will turn both to on-track performances and how officials handle equipment-related disputes moving forward. Fans interested in the individual stories will be watching Florian’s helmet become part of the event’s visual legacy, while the broader conversation about personal expression and equipment rules is likely to persist through the remainder of the Games.
