February 12, 2026
IOC disqualifies Ukrainian skeleton pilot who planned to compete in a helmet decorated with portraits of athletes killed in the war
On Feb. 12, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) barred Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych from competing at the Olympics while wearing a helmet that bears the portraits of Ukrainian athletes killed in Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
TL;DR
- The IOC banned Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych from competing due to his helmet featuring portraits of athletes killed in the Ukraine invasion.
- Heraskevych refused to remove the helmet, rejecting the IOC's compromise of wearing a mourning armband or displaying it post-competition.
- The IOC stated the decision was based on Heraskevych's refusal to adhere to athlete expression guidelines.
- Heraskevych was disqualified before the competition but his accreditation was restored, allowing him to remain at the Games.
- President Zelensky awarded Heraskevych the Order of Freedom for his service, courage, and patriotism.
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