KYIV — The International Olympic Committee disqualified Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych from the Winter Olympics on Thursday for wearing a helmet adorned with images of Ukrainian athletes killed during the conflict with Russia, sparking outrage across his home country.
A Symbol of Remembrance, Deemed Political
The IOC suggested Heraskevych could wear a black armband instead, but the 27-year-old athlete refused to compromise, insisting on honoring the fallen with his uniquely decorated helmet. “There’s nothing apart from pictures of the dead on this helmet,” said Dmytro Yasenovskyi, 41, a Kyiv resident, to Agence France-Presse. “What madness,” he added.
The decision comes as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, now entering its fourth year, has reportedly resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Ukrainian athletes, creating a tense atmosphere at numerous international sporting events. Gestures considered political in nature during competition have been prohibited since 2021, though athletes are permitted to express their views during press conferences and on social media.
What is the IOC’s stance on political expression at the Olympics? Since 2021, the IOC has forbidden political gestures during competition, allowing athletes to share their views in press conferences and on social media.
“He didn’t do anything wrong. This is not propaganda,” Yasenovskyi insisted.
The IOC stated earlier Thursday that Heraskevych’s accreditation had been revoked after he was given a final opportunity to reconsider his stance.
Zelenskyy Voices Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy swiftly praised Heraskevych and voiced his strong support for the athlete’s decision. “The Olympic movement should help stop wars, not play into the hands of aggressors,” Zelenskyy said in a social media post, referencing Russia’s invasion. “We are proud of Vladyslav and of what he did. Having courage is worth more than any medal,” he added.
Hours later, Zelenskyy announced he would bestow a state award upon Heraskevych “for selfless service to the Ukrainian people, civic courage, and patriotism in defending the ideals of freedom and democratic values.”
Ukrainian Sports Minister Matviy Bidny echoed Zelenskyy’s sentiments on social media, stating, “Vladyslav, you acted with dignity!”
‘Burn in Hell’
Heraskevych has the option to appeal the IOC’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but CAS confirmed to Agence France-Presse that they had not yet received a filing from the athlete.
Images of Heraskevych’s father, visibly heartbroken by the IOC’s decision, quickly went viral across Ukraine. One of the country’s leading news portals, Ukrainska Pravda, updated its website banner to feature a picture of Heraskevych and his helmet.
“I’m proud of our athlete for his stance, for not giving in even at the cost of his sporting career,” said Ilya Zakhar, 39, of Kyiv. He then directed a scathing remark at the IOC: “Let them burn in hell.”
Heraskevych previously demonstrated his opposition to the conflict at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, displaying a banner reading “No War in Ukraine” days before Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
Since the invasion began, Russian attacks have devastated Ukrainian towns and cities, displaced millions, and, according to Zelenskyy, resulted in the deaths of 660 Ukrainian athletes and coaches.
Just hours before the IOC announced its decision, Russian strikes on cities throughout Ukraine, including Kyiv, disrupted essential services for hundreds of thousands of people.
“When people sit in such cold, without water, without heating, without electricity, then a helmet is something meaningful,” Yasenovskyi explained. “They should come and live here for a few days, and then they can talk about what’s allowed, and what’s not.”
