Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is attempting to persuade Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych to compete in the Winter Olympics without a helmet he has adorned with images of Ukrainian athletes killed during the ongoing conflict with Russia. The IOC has warned Heraskevych that the helmet violates rules prohibiting political messaging, but has stopped short of issuing an immediate disqualification.
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams emphasized the committee’s desire for Heraskevych to participate in the games, stating, “We want him to compete. We really, really want him to have his moment. That’s very, very important.” Adams added that the IOC would be contacting Heraskevych on to reiterate the “many, many opportunities” he has to express his grief through channels such as social media, press conferences, and the mixed zone.
Heraskevych, who carried the Ukrainian flag during the opening ceremony, has refused to remove the helmet, which he calls his “helmet of remembrance.” The helmet displays images of Ukrainian men and women who have died in the war. He used the helmet again during practice on night, despite warnings from the IOC.
The 27-year-old athlete has argued that his helmet does not violate Olympic rules, stating that it is not political or religious propaganda, but a tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. “Rule 50: political propaganda, religious propaganda, racial propaganda. That has nothing to do with this helmet. All these athletes, they were killed, but their voice is so loud, the IOC has heard them,” Heraskevych said .
He also accused the IOC of “betraying” the fallen athletes by not allowing them to be honored at the games, stating they would “never be able to step” onto the Olympic arena again. This sentiment underscores the deep emotional weight attached to the helmet and its symbolic significance for Heraskevych and, by extension, for Ukraine.
The IOC has offered Heraskevych the option of wearing a black armband, without any text, as a means of mourning his compatriots. However, Adams explained that the IOC cannot allow individual displays of grief related to specific conflicts, citing the existence of 130 conflicts in the world
. He argued that allowing such displays would be impractical and could detract from the competition itself.
The situation presents a delicate balancing act for the IOC, which is attempting to uphold its neutrality rules while also acknowledging the profound impact of the war in Ukraine on its athletes. The IOC’s stance reflects a long-held policy of preventing the Olympic Games from being used as a platform for political statements. However, the war in Ukraine has presented an unprecedented challenge to this principle, as the conflict has direct and deeply personal implications for many participating athletes.
The IOC’s attempt to convince
Heraskevych to comply with its rules suggests a reluctance to escalate the situation to a disqualification, which would likely draw significant international criticism. Adams expressed hope that Heraskevych would reconsider, perhaps [by] other athletes
, and that it is in the interest of all that he can compete.
The outcome remains uncertain as Heraskevych prepares for the first skeleton heats on .
This incident highlights the broader challenges facing the IOC as it navigates the complex geopolitical landscape and attempts to maintain the integrity of the Olympic Games in the face of global conflicts. The case of Vladyslav Heraskevych and his helmet of remembrance
has become a focal point in this debate, raising questions about the limits of political neutrality and the rights of athletes to express their grief and honor their fallen comrades.
The situation is being closely watched by international observers, with many anticipating that the IOC’s handling of this case will set a precedent for future conflicts and political protests at the Olympic Games. The outcome will likely influence how the IOC balances its commitment to neutrality with its responsibility to support athletes who are affected by global events.
