In a powerful act of defiance, Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych has pledged to continue wearing a helmet that honours compatriots killed since Russia's 2022 invasion, despite an official ban from Olympic authorities. The athlete, who carried Ukraine's flag at the opening ceremony, has declared this a fundamental "matter of principle," arguing his tribute does not violate Games rules against political propaganda.
A Helmet of Memory and Defiance
Heraskevych trained on Monday wearing the evocative helmet, which displays images of seven Ukrainian athletes and cultural figures who have died during the conflict. He emotionally disclosed that "some of them were my friends." Following this, an International Olympic Committee official informed him he was breaching Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits political statements in competition venues.
Undeterred, Heraskevych wore the helmet again during his second official training session on Tuesday. In a social media video, he stated firmly: "Today in this very helmet, I participated in my second official training session. For me this is a matter of principle."
The Principle Behind the Protest
The athlete contends his helmet does not constitute prohibited propaganda. "I firmly believe we have not violated any IOC rules," he asserted. "The so-called Rule 50 explicitly states that political propaganda, discriminatory propaganda and racial propaganda are prohibited. I don't see any of that on our helmet, so we will fight to the end."
Heraskevych connected the sacrifice of those memorialised to the very existence of the Games, arguing: "They fought for us to the end, for you and me, and it's thanks to their sacrifice that we are able to compete in these Olympic Games today. I firmly believe these Olympic Games can even take place because of their sacrifice, otherwise this war would have reached Europe long ago."
Perceived Double Standards
The Ukrainian athlete highlighted what he views as inconsistent application of rules, pointing to other cases where political statements allegedly went unpunished. He referenced American athletes who "staged political demonstrations in arenas" and specifically mentioned Italian snowboarder Roland Fischnaller, who competed wearing a helmet featuring national flags from seven Winter Olympics hosts—including Russia's flag representing Sochi 2014.
His comment appears to allude to former US skier Gus Kenworthy, who claimed to have urinated an anti-immigration enforcement message in snow. An IOC statement suggested Kenworthy would face no disciplinary action.
Accusations of Betrayal and Special Rules
On Instagram, Heraskevych revealed the ban with profound disappointment: "The IOC has banned the use of my helmet at official training sessions and competitions. A decision that simply breaks my heart." He accused the committee of "betraying those athletes who were part of the Olympic movement, not allowing them to be honoured on the sports arena where these athletes will never be able to step again."
The athlete further claimed: "Despite precedents in modern times and in the past when the IOC allowed such tributes, this time they decided to set special rules just for Ukraine."
The Faces on the Helmet
The helmet memorialises seven individuals from Ukraine's sports and cultural community:
- Alina Perehudova, teenage weightlifter
- Pavlo Ischenko, powerlifter
- Oleksiy Loginov, ice hockey player
- Ivan Kononenko, actor and athlete
- Mykyta Kozubenko, diving athlete and coach
- Oleksiy Habarov, shooter
- Daria Kurdel, dancer
Official Stance and Compromise
Ukraine's Olympic delegation has appealed the helmet ban. However, the IOC has pointed to Rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter, which states: "No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas."
As a compromise, officials have permitted Heraskevych to race wearing a black armband and will not object to him speaking about the issue during press conferences.
A History of Olympic Protest
This is not Heraskevych's first use of the Olympic platform for protest. At the Beijing 2022 Games, just days before Russia's full-scale invasion began, he held a "No War In Ukraine" sign—an action for which he faced no sanctions at the time.
On Tuesday, the 26-year-old reposted that image on social media with the comment: "Four years ago at the 2022 Olympic Games. Unfortunately, over these years this call for peace has only become even more relevant. Also over these four years, the IOC has changed dramatically."
He contrasted the treatment of his helmet with the visibility of Russian symbols at current Games: "Now, at the Olympics, we have already seen a large number of Russian flags in the stands, on the helmet of one of the athletes - and for the IOC, this is not a violation. Yet a violation was found in the 'helmet of memory', which pays tribute to members of the Ukrainian sports family who have been killed since the last Olympic Games were held."
Broader Context of Russian Participation
The IOC's position on Russia has drawn scrutiny throughout these Games. Thirteen Russian and seven Belarusian athletes are competing as "neutral" participants, without national symbols. IOC President Kirsty Coventry has hinted that Russia's exile from Olympic competition could soon be lifted, despite the ongoing war.
Advocacy group Global Athlete criticised this stance in an open letter: "Russia's aggression against Ukraine has only intensified since 2022. The fact that the IOC is easing restrictions against Russia suggests that even under the new presidency of Kirsty Coventry, it remains influenced by the very political forces it claims to stand apart from."
Heraskevych concluded his statement with a note of determination: "The truth is on our side. I hope for a fair final decision from the IOC." His defiance continues as competition approaches, keeping the spotlight on Olympic principles amidst global conflict.
