Ukrainian Skeleton Star Banned From Winter Olympics Over Tribute Helmet

Vladyslav Heraskevych wearing tribute helmet during Winter Olympics skeleton training

The Winter Olympics have been rocked by controversy after Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych was banned from competition for continuing to wear a helmet honoring athletes killed during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The 26-year-old pilot had worn the helmet during all his training runs in Cortina. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ruled that the design did not comply with the Olympic Charter and instructed him to remove it before official competition began.

Heraskevych refused.

Why Was He Banned?

According to the IOC, the helmet violated Rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter, which states:

“No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas.”

The IOC reportedly offered compromises. Officials suggested he could:

Wear a black armband during competition
Display the helmet in media zones
Share the tribute on social media

However, the IOC emphasized that “the field of play is sacrosanct.”

After Heraskevych continued wearing the helmet during official training, the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) jury withdrew his accreditation — effectively banning him from competing.

What Was On The Helmet?

The helmet featured images of Ukrainian athletes who lost their lives during the war. Among those pictured were:

Teenage weightlifter Alina Peregudova
Boxer Pavlo Ishchenko
Ice hockey player Oleksiy Loginov

Heraskevych said some of the athletes honored were his personal friends.

He told BBC Sport that he believed he “has all the rights” to wear the tribute.

A Wider Debate At The Olympics

The decision has sparked debate across the global sports market and Olympic community.

Heraskevych argued his tribute was no different from other emotional displays at the Games. For example, figure skater Maxim Naumov recently held up a photo of his parents, who were victims of a tragic plane crash, while waiting for his score.

The IOC maintains that its rules are designed to preserve political neutrality inside competition venues.

In a statement, the organization said:

“The IOC was very keen for Mr Heraskevych to compete. This is why the IOC sat down with him to look for the most respectful way to address his desire to remember his fellow athletes.”

Despite this, no compromise was reached.

A Medal Chance Lost

Based on his training times, Heraskevych was considered an outside medal contender. His absence reshapes the competition landscape in the skeleton event.

The IOC also highlighted that:

Heraskevych has received Olympic scholarship support
A solidarity fund was established for Ukrainian athletes after 2022
Multi-faith centers are available in Olympic villages for remembrance

Still, for many observers, the incident underscores the growing tension between sport, politics, and personal expression on the world’s biggest stage.

Sport, Politics And The Modern Games

The Olympics have long promoted neutrality. Yet in today’s interconnected global sports market, complete separation between sport and geopolitics is increasingly difficult.

This case will likely fuel ongoing debate about:

Athlete freedom of expression
The boundaries of Rule 50
The role of international sport during global conflict

For now, Heraskevych’s Olympic campaign ends not on the ice track — but in controversy.

And the conversation is far from over.

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Abdul Noah Ocholi