Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych took part in the second day of training at the 2026 Winter Olympics wearing a “helmet of remembrance” featuring photos of fallen Ukrainian athletes. This happened despite a ban imposed by the International Olympic Committee, Suspilne Sport reported.
According to Suspilne Sport, Heraskevych had already trained on the Olympic track the previous day wearing the helmet depicting Ukrainian athletes killed as a result of Russia’s invasion. Following that session, the Ukrainian athlete held talks with representatives of the International Olympic Committee and was banned from using the helmet at the Games.
The IOC later opted for a compromise, allowing Heraskevych to compete with a black armband instead. Nevertheless, the next day he returned to training wearing the banned helmet and completed two training runs.
In comments to Suspilne Sport, Heraskevych said he does not believe wearing the helmet violates IOC rules. He argued that Rule 50 prohibits political, racial or discriminatory propaganda, and that the “helmet of remembrance” contains none of these elements.
The skeleton racer added that communication with the IOC over the helmet began during unofficial training sessions, while the formal ban followed a meeting with an IOC representative in the Olympic Village. Heraskevych said he is now in contact with the Ukrainian Olympic Committee and does not rule out the possibility of disqualification if he continues to appear on the track wearing the helmet.