Ukrainian racer disqualified at winter Olympics over helmet honouring the ones killed during war

Olympic officials say that the helmet worn by Vladyslav Heraskevych breached the International Olympic Committee rule

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the 2026 Winter Olympics after officials ruled that his helmet, which paid tribute to Ukrainians killed in Russia’s ongoing invasion, violated Olympic rules.

Heraskevych competed in the men’s skeleton event in Cortina d’Ampezzo wearing a custom helmet design that honored victims of the war. The tribute included symbolic imagery and messaging intended to remember those who have died since the invasion began.

However, Olympic officials determined that the helmet breached the International Olympic Committee’s Rule 50, which prohibits political messaging or demonstrations during competition. As a result, Heraskevych was disqualified.

The decision sparked debate, as Heraskevych’s helmet was described as a memorial tribute rather than a political protest. Supporters argued that honoring fallen Ukrainians should not be categorized as political expression, while Olympic authorities maintained that the Games must remain neutral and free of political messaging.

The controversy has reignited broader discussions about athlete expression at the Olympics, particularly in cases where tributes intersect with ongoing global conflicts.