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5d ago

IOC Bars Ukraine Skeleton Racer Over Memorial Helmet at Milano Cortina 2026

The IOC says the helmet violates Rule 50, maintaining that competition areas must remain free of messaging.

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Ukraine's skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych holds his helmet, which depicts victims of his country's war with Russia, in Cortina d'Ampezzo on February 12, 2026. Heraskevych was disqualified from the Winter Olympics on February 12, 2026 after refusing to back down over his banned helmet, which depicts victims of his country's war with Russia. The International Olympic Committee said he had been kicked out of the Milan-Cortina Games "after refusing to adhere to the IOC athlete expression guidelines". (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP via Getty Images)
Heraskevych said it was the helmet or nothing.

Overview

  • Vladyslav Heraskevych was ruled out minutes before his event after refusing to replace a helmet honoring more than 20 Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed in the war with Russia.
  • The IOC said the decision was taken by the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation jury and announced the withdrawal of his Games accreditation.
  • Officials offered compromises — including wearing a black armband, using the helmet in training, and displaying it before or after the race — but the athlete rejected them.
  • Heraskevych and his team said they will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, arguing the tribute does not breach the Olympic Charter’s expression rules.
  • Ukraine’s government and athletes condemned the ruling, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calling it a moment of shame, and teammates staging visible acts of solidarity at the Games.