Ukrainian athlete Heraskevych faces IOC pressure: New twist in helmet scandal
Vladyslav Heraskevych in memory helmet (Photo: instagram.com/heraskevychvladyslav)
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is attempting to persuade Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych not to wear a helmet featuring portraits of athletes who died in the war, according to Sky News.
What is known about the IOC’s decision
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams told British journalists that the committee will have a conversation with Heraskevych regarding his intention to compete in the helmet despite a prior ban by the organizers.
According to Adams, committee representatives plan to convince the Ukrainian athlete to compete without controversial gear to comply with Olympic rules.
"IOC would try to persuade him to compete, but within the rules - meaning without wearing the helmet," the spokesperson said.
He added that the rules exist to ensure the focus remains on sport and athletes’ personal achievements rather than on political gestures or expressions of opinion.
At the same time, the IOC has made a concession: Heraskevych will be allowed to display the helmet during press conferences, in the mixed zone, and anywhere outside of competition areas.
Earlier, Heraskevich, who was the flag bearer for the Ukrainian team, stated his intention to compete wearing this helmet despite possible sanctions.
Heraskevych’s response
Vladyslav Heraskevych stated that he is not satisfied with the IOC’s proposal to allow only a black headband.
He believes that the "memory helmet" meets IOC requirements and has the right to be used in official competitions.
"Today, we will publish the continuation of our reports. We will show why we must compete with the helmet. We have too much evidence and too many precedents, even at these Olympic Games. I believe we have full rights, as the helmet complies with all IOC requirements," the athlete told Suspilne Sport, noting that he will share the evidence on social media.
"Yesterday, there was another precedent: an American figure skater honored the memory of his parents. Also, this dedication was displayed on a sign right above the ice arena in Milan," he gave as an example from the Milan competition.
After this, according to Heraskevych, a letter was sent together with the National Olympic Committee to the IOC requesting permission to use the helmet, as he sees this as an identical case.
Context of the situation
On February 9, Vladyslav Heraskevych appeared at training wearing the "memory helmet" featuring images of Ukrainian athletes who died due to Russian attacks.
The IOC banned its use in Olympic competitions, allowing only a black headband.
Despite this, Heraskevych again appeared at training wearing the same helmet and stated that he plans to compete in it until the conclusion of the 2026 Olympics.
Reaction in Ukraine
The situation drew reactions in Ukraine. In particular, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly expressed support for the athlete.
Additionally, the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine addressed the IOC, requesting permission for Heraskevych to compete at the 2026 Olympics wearing the special memory helmet.
Also, we reported that the IOC has signaled a potential return of Russian athletes.
