Ukrainian representative in skeleton Vladislav Heraskevich (27) was disqualified from the Olympic Games after he did not want to give up the performance with a “memory helmet” in honor of those who died in the war with Russia.
Despite the express ban of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Heraskevich is insisted on performing with a helmet which featured photos of 24 Ukrainian athletes killed in the Russian invasion of his country. The Ukrainian wore a “memory helmet” during training on Monday, the IOC then banned him from wearing the helmet due to the rule prohibiting any political statements on the fighting grounds.
But Heraskevich he didn’t want to give up and it all ended with his disqualification.
He is disqualifieda spokesman for the Ukrainian Olympic Committee said after the IOC offered Heraskevich the option of wearing a black armband instead of a helmet.
It was emotional morningunfortunately we were unable to find a solutionsaid IOC President Kirsty Coventry.
It’s not about the message, it’s about the rulesshe added.
Heraskevich also addressed the public briefly.
It’s true. I am disqualified. I will not compete in the OlympicsHeraskevich said.
His coach Mikhailo Geraskevich has announced an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
📹 Disqualified the skeleton pilot and flag bearer of Ukraine in the Winter Olympic Games, Vladylsav Heraskevych, after refusing to change the helmet that shows images of dead athletes in the war against Russia https://t.co/A5Q2pd8TAK pic.twitter.com/bGFGKDrJjE
— EL PAÍS (@el_pais) February 12, 2026
(Hina | Photo: X)
