Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Ukrainian Skeleton Olympian Vows to Wear Banned Memorial Helmet After IOC Ruling

The IOC offered a black armband as a limited alternative under Article 50 restrictions.

Overview

  • The International Olympic Committee confirmed the helmet violates Article 50 and prohibited its use in competition.
  • IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said an exception would allow Vladyslav Heraskevych to wear a black armband during his event as a form of commemoration.
  • Heraskevych announced an appeal and said he still intends to use the helmet on race day, with the men’s skeleton scheduled for February 13 in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly praised the tribute and defended the athlete’s intent to honor compatriots killed in the war.
  • The helmet features images of Ukrainians reported killed in the conflict, including athletes such as Alina Peregudova, Pavlo Ishchenko and Oleksiy Loginov.