U.S. Olympic skeleton athlete Austin Florian turned heads on social media on Wednesday for the incredible design on his device.

Florian competed in the hot weather wearing a helmet inspired by the comic book character Venom. Olympic fans on social media were mesmerized by the artwork.

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USA’s Austin Florian will start the men’s steel distance race at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday, February 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

He finished 14th in the first heat with a score of 56.95. This is the best start to the game and also brings good omens for the mixed team competition later in the Olympic Games. He moved up to 13th place in the second round with a time of 1:53.54. The third preliminary round is scheduled to begin later Friday.

Florian’s teammate Dan Barefoot finished 19th despite his troubles. serious shoulder injury.

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Austin Florian of the United States begins men’s steel frame training during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

The entire incident was overshadowed by the controversy that unfolded earlier Thursday. Ukrainian Vladislav Hraskevich Disqualified from the Olympics Because he refused to wear a helmet that allegedly did not make a political statement. His helmet is engraved with images of Ukrainian athletes and coaches who were victims of that country’s war with Russia.

Florian said he was aware of the controversy because Hraskovic was set to play before him.

“We’re usually very focused on what we’re doing. We know that,” Florian said. “Obviously, everyone is aware of it. We try not to let it get to us, but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do and he’s going to end up doing what he’s going to do. It’s really disappointing.”

Austin Florian of the United States reaches the finish line during men’s steel frame training for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, Tuesday, February 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Alexandra Tarantino)

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Britain’s Matt Weston leads after the first two heats.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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