'This is propaganda': IOC bans slogan on Ukrainian freestyle skier’s helmet at Olympics
Kateryna Kotsar (Photo: Ski Federation of Ukraine)
Ukrainian freestyle athlete Kateryna Kotsar faced censorship from the International Olympic Committee. The organization prohibited the athlete from using her signature gear featuring a message to the world, according to Kotsar’s comment to Suspilne Sport.
Read also: Russian language returns to Olympics: What it means for media and athletes
IOC’s Position: Why the message was banned
Kateryna Kotsar, representing Ukraine in freestyle, was forced to give up her usual helmet during competitions at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The reason was the slogan "Be brave like Ukrainians" displayed on her equipment.
According to Kotsar, a week before the start of the main quadrennial event, she received an official notice from the IOC.
The letter stated that the slogan on her helmet was considered propaganda, which is prohibited under the Committee’s neutrality rules.
"Due to my lack of experience and confidence at that moment, I simply replaced the helmet. Now it only has a small image of the national flag," the athlete explained.
Kateryna Kotsar (Photo: Suspilne Sport)
Conflict of regulations and previous practice
The athlete emphasized that the objections came specifically from the IOC, not from the International Ski Federation (FIS).
She pointed out that she has been competing in this helmet on the international stage since 2022, and until now, no issues with the design have been raised.
Despite being forced to change her equipment for the Games, Kotsar plans to return to using the patriotic slogan at upcoming FIS competitions.
Systemic pressure on Ukrainian athletes
Kateryna Kotsar’s case was not isolated at the 2026 Olympics. Previously, skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych faced similar sanctions.
On behalf of her colleagues, luger Olena Smaga took a stand. During her run, she displayed the slogan "Memory is not a violation" on her gloves.
"This is not politics; it is our memory, which cannot be taken away. It’s a shame we receive so little support, as these gestures do not break any rules," Smaga emphasized.
Olena Smaga (Photo: Suspilne Sport)
IOC representatives, including Mark Adams, justify such decisions by emphasizing the need for strict adherence to political neutrality directly at competition venues.
Earlier, we reported that the IOC is signaling a possible return of Russian athletes.
