Michael Becker/Getty ImagesAustralian snowboarder Torah Bright has been prohibited from wearing a sticker honoring the late Canadian freestyle skier Sarah Burke.
The IOC ruled that the memorial sticker wasn't appropriate for the Winter Olympics at Sochi.
Bright took to Instagram to vent about the ruling, saying, "I am at these Olympics for multiple reasons. Firstly, to represent my country and share with the world the sport which has blessed my life with beauty and joy. I am also here to honor my great friend Sarah Burke who left this world two years ago. I ride with a Sarah sticker on my snowboard and helmet always. The IOC however, considers Sarah's sticks 'a political statement' and have banned them. Wow."
Bright added, "Sarah is a beautiful, talented, powerful woman, who's (sp) spirit inspires me still. She is a big reason why skier pipe/slope are now Olympic events."
But her heartfelt message didn't end there. Bright also went on to explain how she's riding in honor of her friend's child.
"Lastly, my dear friends lost their first born yesterday. Neena and Andy your strength overwhelms me. More than anything, I wish I was there with you, to support you in love, as you have done for me through my own hardships. I will draw from your strength and do what I need to do. With an aching heart…for your beautiful Indira #godbewithyou."
Burke passed away in 2012 after a training run in Salt Lake City.
She was a pioneer of the halfpipe event, after successfully lobbying with the IOC to add the sport to the Olympic program for years.
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