A Ukrainian skeleton racer has been disqualified from competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics, after defying the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and wearing a helmet that did not follow the guidelines regarding political statements at the Games.
Vladyslav Heraskevych wore a helmet featuring images of athletes killed during the war in Ukraine.
Before his disqualification, Heraskevych topped the standings in training. He made it clear that he would defy the IOC request to change his helmet. The IOC had offered to allow Heraskevych to wear a black armband instead of the helmet, but he refused.
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“I wear this helmet two days ago, yesterday, today. I will wear it tomorrow, and I will wear it for the race day,” Heraskevych told CNN before his disqualification.
“These people sacrificed their lives and because of that, I am able to be here today. I’m able to be at the Olympics, and I will not betray them.”
Heraskevych was a flag bearer for Ukraine at the Opening Ceremony. He was disqualified 45 minutes before the official event was set to begin.
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“I am disqualified from the race. I will not get my Olympic moment,” Heraskevych said after being disqualified, via the Huffington Post. “They were killed, but their voice is so loud that the IOC is afraid of them. I told Coventry that this decision plays along with Russia’s narrative.”
“I sincerely believe that it is precisely because of their sacrifice that these Olympic Games can take place at all today. Even though the IOC wants to betray the memory of these athletes, I will not betray them.”
It is an unfortunate situation all around, but in the end, Heraskevych stood up for what he believed in, which is much bigger than sports.
The men’s skeleton final will take place on Friday, February 13, at 3:05 p.m. ET.
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