Ukrainian NOC voices support for Heraskevych after Olympic disqualification

Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych was suspended for violating a ban on the use of a “memory helmet.” He received an official decision from the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) confirming his disqualification.

The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine responded to Heraskevych’s suspension.

“Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified before the first run of the 2026 Olympic Games in skeleton. He was set to compete wearing the ‘memory helmet’ — as a sign of respect for fallen Ukrainian athletes and all our heroes.

Today Vladyslav did not start, but he was not alone — all of Ukraine was, is and will be with him. Because when an athlete stands for truth, honor and memory, that is already a victory.

A victory for Vladyslav. A victory for the entire country,” the NOC said in a statement.

Earlier, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had banned Heraskevych from using the “memory helmet,” saying it “does not comply with the principles of the Olympic Charter, which require equipment neutrality and prohibit political or other messaging during competition.”

Heraskevych later pointed to what he described as double standards by the IOC, noting that an Italian snowboarder was allowed to compete with a Russian flag displayed on his helmet, despite the aggressor state’s symbols being banned at the 2026 Games.

The IOC subsequently proposed honoring fallen athletes by wearing a black ribbon during competition, and suggested that the “memory helmet” be displayed before and after the run, as well as during media appearances in the mixed zone.

Heraskevych rejected the IOC’s proposals, stating he was prepared to compete only in the “memory helmet,” which features the images of more than 20 fallen Ukrainian athletes, including children.

Earlier, detailed profiles were published about the athletes whose memory Heraskevych sought to honor at the Olympic Games.

The IOC has since issued a statement regarding Heraskevych’s disqualification.