Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych has been disqualified before his first run at the 2026 Winter Olympics, according to information published on the International Olympic Committee’s website.
The disqualification stems from the helmet Heraskevych planned to wear in competition – a design featuring Ukrainian athletes who were killed as a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The IOC said the helmet violated Olympic rules governing athlete “self-expression.”
The decision immediately drew backlash in Ukraine, where the helmet has been widely framed as an act of remembrance rather than a political statement.
IOC says the helmet violates “self-expression” rules
According to the IOC’s explanation, the issue was not equipment safety but the helmet’s message and imagery.
The committee stated that Heraskevych’s helmet “does not comply” with the rules governing athlete self-expression. The same materials claim the athlete was unwilling to consider any form of compromise.
On the morning of February 12, Heraskevych met with IOC President Kirsty Coventry. The IOC says he insisted on wearing the helmet during competition and refused alternatives.
Allowed in training – banned in competition
The IOC notes that Heraskevych was allowed to use the helmet during all official training runs.
It also says officials offered him the option to display the helmet after the race in the mixed zone – a proposal that did not satisfy the athlete or the Ukrainian side.
On February 10, 2026, the IOC sent Heraskevych a letter formally banning him from competing in the helmet at the Games.
Following that, Ukraine prepared a request to the IOC insisting on Heraskevych’s right to compete in the helmet at the 2026 Olympics. The request was ultimately rejected.
IOC press attaché Mark Adams later confirmed publicly that Heraskevych could not wear the “memorial helmet” but could use a black armband instead.
Zelensky responds: “Sport does not mean forgetting”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted strongly to the disqualification, calling the helmet a sign of respect and memory, not a political action.
“Sport does not mean forgetting, and the Olympic movement should help stop wars, not play along with the aggressor,” Zelensky said.
He also emphasized that Russia has repeatedly violated Olympic principles, including by launching wars during Olympic periods.
Zelensky stated that since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, 660 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed. At the same time, Russian athletes continue to compete under a so-called neutral flag.
“Proud of Vladyslav and his decision. Having courage is more than having medals,” Zelensky added.
