Vladyslav Heraskevych, a Ukrainian skeleton athlete competing at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, was not allowed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to wear a helmet featuring images of Ukrainian athletes killed in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Heraskevych had trained with the helmet and sought IOC approval to wear it during competition, but the committee cited Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits political statements at Olympic venues.
Heraskevych expressed confusion over the decision, emphasizing that the helmet was intended as a tribute to fellow athletes who were part of the Olympic community. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly supported Heraskevych’s effort, calling it a reminder of the cost of Ukraine’s struggle. The IOC stated that Ukraine’s sliding federation had not formally requested permission before Heraskevych’s inquiry and maintained its stance against demonstrations or political propaganda during the Games.
**Why this matters**
The incident highlights the ongoing tension between athletes’ personal expressions related to geopolitical conflicts and the IOC’s efforts to maintain political neutrality during the Olympics. It also underscores the challenges faced by athletes from countries affected by war who seek to honor their compatriots while competing on the international stage.
Source: NewsData