Ukrainian Athlete Fights Ban Over War Memorial Helmet

A Ukrainian skeleton racer refused to give up his Olympic dream, even after being disqualified for honoring fallen heroes.

Vladyslav Heraskevych, 27, wore a custom helmet during training runs at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics featuring portraits of more than 20 Ukrainian athletes killed in the ongoing war. He placed in the top six in all five training runs before Olympic officials disqualified him Thursday, citing rules against political demonstrations.

But Heraskevych didn't walk away. He immediately filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, arguing that honoring deceased athletes isn't a political statement but a memorial to fellow competitors.

"I am convinced that we are not breaking any rules," he told reporters Thursday night. "People understand that we are on the right side."

The court began hearing his case Friday morning, though the men's skeleton competition had already started without him. Heraskevych suggested officials could annul the opening runs or allow him to complete multiple runs in one day if reinstated.

The Ripple Effect

Heraskevych's stance has inspired a wave of solidarity that reached far beyond the ice track. Six Ukrainian luge athletes knelt together after their mixed relay competition, held up their helmets, and shouted support for their teammate.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced he would award Heraskevych a medal of merit. He criticized the Olympic decision on social media, writing that "sport shouldn't mean amnesia" and should help stop wars rather than favor aggressors.

Around 40 members of the European Parliament sent an open letter to Olympic officials calling for reconsideration. The global response highlighted how one athlete's quiet act of remembrance resonated with millions who believe some causes transcend competition rules.

Even IOC President Kirsty Coventry appeared visibly emotional when delivering the disqualification news, though she defended the decision Friday, saying athletes want certain Olympic spaces kept neutral.

Whether or not Heraskevych competes, his courage has already inspired countless people to stand up for what matters most.