The IOC has banned Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych from competing at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. The reason for the refusal was his helmet featuring photos of athletes killed in the Russia–Ukraine war.
Disqualification details
In its statement, the IOC said that it won’t allow Heraskevych to take part in the race on February 12 because his helmet “does not comply with the rules.” It was the decision of jury of the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation. The committee claims that Heraskevych did not agree to the offered compromises.
“Mr Heraskevych was able to display his helmet in all training runs. The IOC also offered him the option of displaying it immediately after the competition when going through the mixed zone,” the committee said.
The statement also noted that the IOC supports athletes in their grief. It has created multi-faith centers in Olympic villages and a place of mourning “so that grief can be expressed with dignity and respect.” The committee added that wearing a black armband was also an option. The IOC suggested that the skeleton athlete could honor the fallen athletes in social media posts, as well as during press conferences and interviews.
Ukraine’s reaction
Ukraine’s National Olympic Committee commented on Heraskevych’s disqualification.
“Today Vladyslav did not start, but he was not alone – all of Ukraine was, is, and will be with him. Because when an athlete stands for truth, honor, and memory – that is already a victory,” representatives of the committee wrote on social media.
Heraskevych himself, speaking to Suspilne.Sport, said he does not believe he violated any rules. He said he was defending the dignity of his country and honoring the memory of the fallen. He plans to auction off the helmet to raise money to support Ukraine and save lives. Heraskevych said he did not want to become part of a scandal. According to him, his sporting celebration was taken away.
“I wanted to be part of these Olympic Games in a friendly atmosphere with many athletes with whom I have good relationships. We had great training sessions and great results. We clearly saw that we could fight for medals at these Olympics. I do not regret it, just like four years ago. There are things more important than medals. I stood for what I believe in,” the skeleton athlete said.
Reaction of the IOC President
IOC President Kirsty Coventry met with Heraskevych before making a decision Speaking to journalists, she burst into tears. According to her, she does not oppose the Ukrainian athlete’s message, but they couldn’t find a compromise.
“I really wanted to see him race. It’s been an emotional morning,” Coventry said.
However, Heraskevych told Suspilne.Sport that Coventry’s arguments about supporting Ukraine were questionable. He said the IOC President suggested that he show the helmet at the start but wear a different one during the race. Heraskevych refused, saying he wanted the same rights as other athletes.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky reacted to the IOC ban and thanked Heraskevych for reminding the world of the price of Ukraine’s struggle.
