IOC disqualifies Ukrainian skeleton pilot who planned to compete in a helmet decorated with portraits of athletes killed in the war

On Feb. 12, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) barred Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych from competing at the Olympics while wearing a helmet that bears the portraits of Ukrainian athletes killed in Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The decision was made based on Heraskevych’s “refusal to adhere to the IOC athlete expression guidelines.”

The controversy had been building for days, with the IOC suggesting that the athlete wear a black mourning armband in place of the helmet. “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’s statement said.

Heraskevych rejected this offer, repeatedly insisting that he would wear the helmet during the competition regardless of the consequences. On the morning of Feb. 12, the skeleton pilot published a social media post expressing his wish to “end the scandal.” His message called on the IOC to lift the ban on his use of the “Memory Helmet,” to apologize for the pressure exerted on him, and to sponsor the purchase of electric generators for Ukrainian sports facilities. Heraskevych confirmed his stance on the morning of Feb. 12 in a personal meeting with IOC President Kirsty Coventry that took place less than an hour before racing was set to begin. He was not permitted to take part in the competition.

After the disqualification was announced, Heraskevych published another post, captioned: “This is the price of our dignity.”

The IOC subsequently restored Heraskevych’s Olympic accreditation, allowing him to remain at the Games but not to compete. Heraskevych had been seen as a strong contender for a medal.

President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree awarding Heraskevych the Order of Freedom — one of Ukraine’s highest state awards, granted to citizens for outstanding service to the nation. The honor was bestowed on the member of Ukraine’s national Olympic team for “selfless service to the Ukrainian people, civic courage, and patriotism in defending the ideals of freedom and democratic values.”

According to Heraskevych, the IOC's decision is “heartbreaking.” He added that “special rules” had been imposed on Ukraine and said he intends to file an official complaint.