IOC Disqualifies Ukrainian Athlete for Supporting Fallen Countrymen

Vladyslav Heraskevych's helmet tribute to Ukrainian athletes sparks controversy

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has disqualified Ukrainian skeleton sledder Vladyslav Heraskevych for displaying stickers on his helmet honoring fallen Ukrainian athletes from the war with Russia. The IOC cited its policy against political statements on the field of play, despite criticism that the organization has been inconsistent in its enforcement of this rule.

Why it matters

The decision to disqualify Heraskevych has sparked outrage, with many arguing that the IOC is hypocritical in its treatment of political statements. The organization banned Russian athletes from competing under their national flag due to the invasion of Ukraine, but is now penalizing a Ukrainian athlete for a gesture of support for his countrymen.

The details

In three separate incidents, Heraskevych placed stickers on his helmet to honor Ukrainian athletes who have died during the ongoing conflict with Russia. The IOC deemed this a violation of its policy prohibiting political statements on the field of play, leading to Heraskevych's disqualification from the skeleton competition.

  • Heraskevych placed the stickers on his helmet in multiple incidents since the start of the Olympics.

The players

Vladyslav Heraskevych

A Ukrainian skeleton sledder who was disqualified from the Olympics for displaying stickers on his helmet honoring fallen Ukrainian athletes.

Kirsty Coventry

The president of the IOC, who met with Heraskevych but ultimately upheld the decision to disqualify him.

Michael Payn

The former marketing chief of the IOC, who argued that allowing Heraskevych's gesture would have opened the "Pandora's box" of political statements at the Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“There are things more important than medals. I stood up for what I believe in.”

— Vladyslav Heraskevych (X)

“If she had given in to the pressure she would have opened Pandora's box. You could fast-track to Los Angeles (2028 host) … and you would have set a precedent, and the Palestinians would comment on Israel, the Americans would comment on Trump. It would be an open field day. If that field of play is not kept sacrosanct the whole pack of cards comes tumbling down because you have created a platform for every message, no matter how sympathetic.”

— Michael Payn, Former IOC marketing chief (Reuters)

What’s next

Heraskevych's accreditation has been revoked, but he can continue to stay in the Olympic Village.

The takeaway

The IOC's decision to disqualify Heraskevych highlights the organization's inconsistent approach to political statements at the Olympics, raising questions about its commitment to keeping the Games free from politics.