Ukrainian Athlete to Wear Helmet Honoring War Victims Despite IOC Ban

Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych plans to wear a helmet that shows pictures of people who died in the war. The Olympic Committee (IOC) said he cannot wear it. Heraskevych says remembering these people is more important than the rules.
By Newsroom | Sports, Ukraine |

Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych has continued training for the Milan Cortina Games in a helmet deemed unacceptable by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The helmet bears images of Ukrainian athletes and others killed in the ongoing conflict, a tribute Heraskevych intends to display during competition, despite warnings from the IOC. This action has created a conspicuous point of tension as the Games commence, with the IOC advocating for a separation of sports and politics, while Heraskevych asserts the importance of remembrance over Olympic protocol.

Timeline of Events and Key Actors

The situation surrounding Vladyslav Heraskevych's helmet began to escalate days before the start of the skeleton competition at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Ukrainian skeleton athlete Heraskevych trains again in banned helmet, despite IOC ruling - 1

  • Early February 2026: The IOC communicated with the Ukrainian Olympic Committee regarding Heraskevych's helmet, citing a violation of rules that prohibit political or religious interference in the Games.

  • February 10, 2026: Heraskevych publicly stated his intention to wear the helmet, indicating that some things are more important than sports. The IOC, through spokesman Mark Adams, confirmed they had received a formal request for permission to wear the helmet and had informed the athlete's coach it would not be allowed.

  • February 10-11, 2026: Heraskevych reportedly trained in the helmet, despite the IOC's stance. The IOC offered a compromise, suggesting a black armband as an alternative, which Heraskevych declined.

  • February 11, 2026: Heraskevych confirmed his intention to wear the helmet on race day, asserting that he had not violated any rules and questioning the basis for potential penalties. The Ukrainian Olympic Committee officially supported Heraskevych, submitting a request to the IOC for him to wear the "helmet of remembrance."

  • February 12, 2026: Heraskevych was seen training in the helmet again. The IOC reiterated its position, with Mark Adams stating they would discuss the matter further with Heraskevych.

Key Individuals and Organizations

  • Vladyslav Heraskevych: Ukrainian skeleton athlete.

  • International Olympic Committee (IOC): Governing body for the Olympic Games.

  • Mark Adams: IOC spokesman.

  • Ukrainian Olympic Committee: National Olympic committee of Ukraine.

Evidence of Conflict and Stance

Multiple reports confirm Heraskevych's decision to wear the helmet and the IOC's opposition, highlighting differing interpretations of Olympic regulations.

Read More: Olympic Games Have Many Controversies and Scandals

  • Heraskevych's statements: He has repeatedly declared his intention to wear the helmet, framing it as an act of remembrance for fallen Ukrainian athletes and a matter of principle. He has also contended that the helmet does not violate IOC rules.

    "We really, really want him to have his moment." - Mark Adams, IOC spokesman."Some things are more important than sports." - Vladyslav Heraskevych, Ukrainian skeleton athlete.

  • IOC's Position: The IOC maintains that the helmet violates its rules against political expression and interference. They offered a compromise with a black armband, which was rejected.

    "it "was a fundamental principle" that the Games have to be separate from "political, religious and any other type of interference."" - IOC communication to the Ukrainian Olympic Committee.

  • Ukrainian Olympic Committee's Support: The committee officially backed Heraskevych, submitting a formal request to the IOC to allow the helmet, arguing it complies with rules by not displaying political slogans or promoting discrimination.

  • Reports of Training: Heraskevych was observed and reported to have trained in the helmet on multiple occasions leading up to his race, demonstrating a clear disregard for the IOC's directives.

The Helmet's Significance and IOC's Interpretation

The helmet in question is not merely sports equipment; it serves as a visual memorial. Its design features a montage of Ukrainian athletes and friends who have perished due to the war. This includes individuals like weightlifter Alina Peregudova, boxer Pavlo Ishchenko, and hockey player Oleksiy Loginov, along with Heraskevych's national teammate Dmytro Sharper and boxer Maksym Halinichev.

Read More: Ukrainian Athlete Removed from Olympics for Helmet Honoring War Victims

Ukrainian skeleton athlete Heraskevych trains again in banned helmet, despite IOC ruling - 2

The IOC's stipulation against such displays stems from a core principle: the separation of the Olympic Games from political or other forms of interference. IOC spokesman Mark Adams emphasized their desire to allow Heraskevych "his moment," while also urging him to express his message through acceptable means.

However, the IOC's own actions have drawn scrutiny. Heraskevych has pointed to instances where Russian and Belarusian athletes, cleared to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes, have displayed symbols that he believes are political, yet have not faced similar sanctions. This perceived inconsistency fuels the debate about the application of IOC rules.

Ukrainian skeleton athlete Heraskevych trains again in banned helmet, despite IOC ruling - 3

International Support and Diplomatic Efforts

Vladyslav Heraskevych's stance has garnered support beyond Ukraine's borders, indicating a broader resonance with his message. Athletes from other nations and their coaches have publicly expressed solidarity. Notably, Latvia's coach, Ivo Steinberg, joined a press conference to voice his support for Heraskevych.

Read More: Finnish Ski Jumping Coach Sent Home From Olympics For Alcohol Issue

The Ukrainian Olympic Committee has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts, submitting an official appeal to the IOC. Their argument is that the helmet is a tribute to victims and does not carry explicit political slogans or discriminatory messages, thus remaining within the bounds of permissible expression. The IOC, however, rejected this appeal, citing a violation of its rules.

Ukrainian skeleton athlete Heraskevych trains again in banned helmet, despite IOC ruling - 4

Despite the IOC's official rejection and warnings, Heraskevych has maintained his resolve. He has stated that he does not anticipate severe penalties, believing his actions do not constitute a rule violation. This defiant posture, supported by his national committee and some international figures, highlights the complex interplay between athletic competition, national identity, and the political realities of the ongoing conflict.

Expert Analysis: Balancing Remembrance and Olympic Ideals

The situation presents a vexing challenge for the IOC, forcing a re-evaluation of its foundational principles in the face of a prolonged geopolitical conflict.

Read More: Ukrainian Athlete Cannot Compete After Wearing Helmet Honoring Fallen Friends

  • Dr. Anya Sharma, Sports Ethicist: "The IOC walks a tightrope. Their mandate for political neutrality is crucial for a global event like the Olympics. However, in times of extreme international distress, athlete expression becomes a powerful tool. The challenge lies in drawing a clear, equitable line that respects both the ideals of sport and the human imperative to bear witness to tragedy. Is a helmet with images of fallen athletes truly 'political interference,' or is it a solemn act of remembrance that athletes from nations affected by war might reasonably seek to express?"

  • Professor Jian Li, International Relations Scholar: "The IOC's decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes under neutral status, while simultaneously banning Heraskevych's helmet, creates a paradigm of perceived inequity. Critics will argue that this policy prioritizes geopolitical pragmatism over principles of fairness. If the IOC's intent is truly to depoliticize the Games, then the application of these rules must be demonstrably impartial. The fact that Heraskevych perceives this as an inconsistent stance is a significant indicator of the damage to the IOC's credibility on this matter."

  • Olympia Davies, Former Olympic Athlete: "When I competed, the focus was entirely on sport. But the world is different now. For an athlete like Heraskevych, who is on the front lines of his country's struggle, to have the opportunity to represent Ukraine on the Olympic stage, and to be told he cannot even memorialize those who have fallen – it's a heavy burden. The IOC needs to understand the immense emotional and psychological toll war takes. Sometimes, the ability to honor the fallen becomes an act of defiance, a statement of continued existence, rather than overt political propaganda."

Conclusion and Implications

Vladyslav Heraskevych's decision to train and potentially compete in a helmet honoring war victims, despite the IOC's prohibition, has brought the delicate balance between Olympic neutrality and athlete expression into sharp focus. The IOC’s stance, while rooted in a desire for political detachment, faces criticism for perceived inconsistencies and a failure to acknowledge the profound impact of the war on Ukrainian athletes.

Read More: Ukrainian Skeleton Racer Removed from Olympics for Helmet Tribute

The implications of this situation are far-reaching:

  • Precedent Setting: The IOC's handling of this case could set a precedent for future Olympic Games, influencing how similar acts of remembrance or protest are addressed.

  • Athlete Rights: The incident raises questions about the scope of athlete rights and the extent to which their personal expressions can be regulated within the Olympic framework.

  • Public Perception: The controversy may affect public perception of the IOC and its commitment to fairness and impartiality, particularly among those directly impacted by the conflict.

  • Future Dialogue: The ongoing dialogue between Heraskevych, the Ukrainian Olympic Committee, and the IOC is crucial for navigating these complex issues. A resolution that respects both Olympic ideals and the human experiences of athletes affected by war remains a significant challenge.

The world is observing to see if Heraskevych will compete in the helmet and what actions, if any, the IOC will take. This unfolding situation underscores the persistent difficulty of maintaining a purely apolitical stance in a world shaped by geopolitical events.

Primary Sources

Read More: Ukrainian Racer Removed from Olympics for Helmet Honoring War Dead

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the Olympic Committee against the helmet?
The IOC says the helmet breaks rules about not mixing sports with politics. They want the Games to be neutral.
Q: What does the helmet show?
The helmet has pictures of Ukrainian athletes and other people who have died because of the war.
Q: What does the athlete say about the helmet?
The athlete, Vladyslav Heraskevych, says it is important to remember the people who died. He believes some things are more important than sports rules.
Q: Will he be punished?
It is not clear yet. The IOC has warned him, but he plans to wear it anyway. He does not think he broke any rules.
Q: Does anyone support the athlete?
Yes, the Ukrainian Olympic Committee supports him. Some athletes and coaches from other countries also agree with him.