Ukrainian Skeleton Athlete Disqualified at 2026 Winter Olympics over Helmet Tribute

Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina due to his refusal to change a helmet bearing images of 20 Ukrainian athletes who died during the war against Russia. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) ruled the helmet a violation of Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which bans political, religious, or racist propaganda at Olympic venues.

Heraskevych, 27, wore the helmet tribute during training and intended to use it in competition. IOC President Kirsty Coventry met with him about 75 minutes before the men’s skeleton race, urging him to change the helmet, but he stood firm. Following the disqualification, Heraskevych said he felt robbed of his Olympic moment and described an emptiness over the decision.

The IOC stated the rule is intended to protect athletes from being pressured to convey political messages during competitions. President Coventry expressed deep regret, acknowledging the powerful message of remembrance Heraskevych wished to convey, but stressed that such expressions may be made outside of competition. The IOC also suggested Heraskevych could display the helmet after the race as a respectful tribute.

The decision sparked widespread criticism from Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha, who labeled the IOC's actions a disgrace and essentially a disqualification of Ukraine itself. Ukrainian Olympic champion Olha Charlan defended Heraskevych's gesture as a respectful remembrance rather than a political statement. Heraskevych’s father and coach announced intentions to appeal, accusing the IOC of discrimination influenced by Russian sponsors.

The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) raised concerns over the IOC’s broad restrictions on athletes’ expressions, emphasizing the importance of allowing peaceful messages related to democracy and sports values. Commentary on the incident described it as a significant setback for the IOC president and highlighted perceived inconsistencies in how the IOC enforces its rules.

This episode underscores the ongoing tension between the IOC’s regulations on political neutrality and athletes’ desires to honor their nations and themselves amid geopolitical conflicts, marking a pivotal moment at the 2026 Winter Olympics.