Scandal at the Olympics! Organizers ban Ukrainian “memory helmet”: details

Scandal at the 2026 Olympic Games: The IOC banned Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych from competing in a “memorial helmet” with portraits of deceased athletes. Despite this, the athlete wore it during training and achieved the second-best result of the day. Find out how the IOC explains its decision and who supported the Ukrainian athlete

Order Visit Ukraine branded products and support Ukraine (worldwide delivery)

ORDER

A scandal erupted at the Winter Olympics surrounding Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladislav Heraskevich. The athlete was banned from competing in the so-called “memorial helmet” — equipment bearing images of Ukrainian athletes who died as a result of the war unleashed by russia against Ukraine.

The decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) caused a public outcry, a wave of support for the Ukrainian athlete, and discussions about the limits of neutrality in sport in the context of full-scale war.

What is the essence of the conflict?

During training on the Olympic track, Heraskevych wore a helmet bearing portraits of Ukrainian athletes who died as a result of russian aggression. Among them were figure skater Dmitry Sharpar, who died in the fighting near Bakhmut, and 19-year-old biathlete Evgeny Malyshev, who was killed by the occupiers near Kharkiv.

The helmet does not contain any political slogans, appeals, party symbols, or advertising. Nevertheless, the IOC banned its use during official competitions, citing a rule that prohibits any political, religious, or racial propaganda at Olympic venues.

As an alternative, the athlete was offered to wear a black mourning armband.

The IOC's position: “Competitions must remain neutral.”

Mark Adams, a representative of the International Olympic Committee, commented on the ban. His words are quoted by “Suspilne Sport.”

According to him, the IOC understands the athletes' desire to honor the memory of the victims, but is acting within the established rules.

“The IOC fully understands the athletes' desire to honor the memory of their friends who died in that conflict. He did so during training and also expressed his feelings on social media, but we said that this helmet was against the rules,” Adams said.

He stressed that the Olympic Games must remain as neutral as possible.

“There are rules that are clear to all National Olympic Committees. People can request an exception, but there must be a compelling reason for this. If the reason is compelling, it will be considered. As for freedom of speech, athletes are completely free to express their opinions on any issue on social media,” added the IOC representative.

In the end, the committee made a partial compromise and allowed Vladislav Geraskevich to wear a black armband as a sign of respect.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Geraskevich disobeyed during training

Despite the ban, the Ukrainian skeleton racer still went to training wearing his “memorial helmet.” However, the official competition is still ahead, and the question of his equipment during the starts remains a subject of discussion.

The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine sent an official letter to the IOC requesting permission to use the helmet. In response, the IOC confirmed its position but allowed for alternative forms of remembrance.

Press conference in Cortina d'Ampezzo

On Tuesday, February 10, at 5:30 p.m., a press conference will be held in the center of Cortina d'Ampezzo, near the Olympic rings, with the participation of Vladislav Heraskevych and representatives of the NOC of Ukraine.

The organizers say that the event will be open to the media, and the athlete and representatives of the Ukrainian side will answer all questions related to the ban on the “helmet of memory” and the position of the IOC.

Support from Zelensky and global sports stars

Heraskevych's action has received widespread support both in Ukraine and beyond. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly supported the athlete, stressing that this is not about politics, but about memory and truth.

"On his helmet are portraits of our athletes who were killed by russia. Figure skater Dmitry Sharpar, who died in the fighting near Bakhmut, 19-year-old biathlete Evgeny Malyshev, killed by the occupiers near Kharkiv, and other athletes who lost their lives in the russian war.

Thank you to Vladislav Heraskevich, the flag bearer for our team at the Winter Olympics, for reminding the world of the price of our struggle.

This truth cannot be inconvenient, inappropriate, or called a “political action at sporting events.” It is a reminder to the whole world of what modern russia is like.

And it is precisely this that reminds everyone of the global role of sport and the historical mission of the Olympic movement — for peace and for life. Ukraine is committed to this. russia is proving the opposite.

Legendary NHL hockey player Dominik Hašek, who has repeatedly criticized the admission of russian athletes to international competitions, also spoke out in defense of the Ukrainian skeleton racer.

Contrary to the IOC ban: Geraskevich went to training wearing a “memorial helmet”

Despite a direct ban by the International Olympic Committee, Vladyslav Heraskevych decided not to back down from his position. The Ukrainian skeleton racer took to the track for another training session for the 2026 Olympics wearing a “memorial helmet” with images of murdered Ukrainian athletes.

The 27-year-old athlete not only demonstrated civic courage, but also achieved a high sporting result. At the end of the training run, Heraskevych clocked the second-best time of 56.40 seconds, behind only the reigning world champion, Britain's Matt Weston, who clocked 56.11 seconds.

This race was further proof that the Ukrainian athlete remains competitive at the Olympic level, despite pressure and restrictions from the IOC. His appearance in the “memorial helmet” against the backdrop of one of the best training results sparked a new wave of support for Geraskevich among fans, athletes, and public figures.

More than just sport

The story of Vladislav Heraskevych's “memorial helmet” went far beyond the rules of sport. It raised the question once again of whether sport can remain “apolitical” when it comes to war, human lives, and the memory of those who have died.

For the Ukrainian athlete, this helmet is not a symbol of protest, but a reminder to the world of the price Ukraine is paying for its right to freedom. And it was precisely this reminder that caused one of the most high-profile Olympic scandals of the 2026 Games.

Support Ukraine in style!

Order patriotic merchandise on the Visit Ukraine portal — clothing and accessories that inspire and unite.

Reminder! We previously reported that the Winter Olympics in Italy began with a record number of disciplines and an updated competition program. The Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo have become one of the largest in the history of the Winter Olympics, and the Ukrainian team is represented in several key sports. Find out in which disciplines Ukrainian athletes will compete and who are the main hopes for the 2026 Olympics in our article.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.