The helmet is adorned with mages of more than 20 Ukrainian athletes killed in the Russo–Ukrainian war. Heraskevych is scheduled to make his first run at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Feb. 12.
Heraskevych said the IOC initially told him Feb. 9 that he could not train or compete in Italy wearing the helmet. The committee later said he could use a plain black armband or ribbon without personalization.
Ukraine’s National Olympic Committee then appealed the decision.
“The helmet was created in honor of Ukrainian athletes who were killed while defending Ukraine or became victims of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine,” the NOC said in a statement earlier on Feb. 10.
“The NOC of Ukraine notes that it fully meets safety requirements and IOC rules, contains no advertising, political slogans or discriminatory elements, and was confirmed as compliant with established standards during official training sessions.”
Heraskevych was Ukraine’s flag bearer at the Cortina segment of the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony.