Haiti’s Winter Olympics kit redesigned at last minute to fit IOC guidelines

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Sundus AbdiFebruary 13, 2026 at 05:00 PM

AI Summary

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Haiti's Winter Olympics team uniform for the 2026 opening ceremony was redesigned at the last minute after the IOC deemed the original design non-compliant with guidelines on athlete expression. Haitian-Italian designer Stella Jean's initial design featured a painting of Haitian revolutionary Toussaint Louverture, but the IOC prohibits political, religious, or racial propaganda at Olympic sites. The uniforms, created by Italian artisans, arrived the night before the ceremony. Jean's team quickly repainted the garments, removing Louverture and replacing him with a riderless horse, which the IOC approved. The redesigned uniforms were well-received, showcasing Haitian art, culture, and history within the IOC's guidelines.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Russia 30% Italy 35% Ukraine 40% Vladyslav Heraskevych ×250% Winter Olympics 55% Edouard Duval-Carrié 60% Toussaint Louverture ×375% Haiti ×680% International Olympic Committee ×585% Stella Jean ×690%

Keywords

haiti 90% winter olympics 90% ioc guidelines 80% uniform design 80% stella jean 70% athlete expression 70% toussaint louverture 60% political expression 60% cultural representation 50%