The athlete admitted to the journalists that this wave of criticism has been ongoing for a long time. It is linked not only to the recent scandal but also to his active campaigning to ban Russian representatives from international sports.
"I receive many messages from Russians, but also throughout our work, I was very actively involved in matters regarding the suspension of Russian athletes," Heraskevych said.
"I also receive quite bad comments from Russian officials, [and] from propagandist Degtyaryov."
Timeline of the 'Remembrance helmet' scandal
Feb. 9: Heraskevych reported that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) banned him from wearing a helmet depicting deceased Ukrainian athletes at training and competition.
Compromise rejected: The IOC later allowed him to use a "black armband or ribbon without personalization," but Heraskevych refused, pointing out double standards: an Italian snowboarder was allowed to compete with a Russian flag on his helmet, despite symbols of the aggressor country being banned at the 2026 Games.
Feb. 12: Heraskevych was officially disqualified from the 2026 Olympics.
Following the IOC's decision, Heraskevych announced that his team is preparing a lawsuit for the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to defend his rights. He maintains that he violated no rules and that the committee failed to provide a clear explanation for the disqualification.
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the athlete for his principled stance and awarded Heraskevych the Order of Liberty.