Skeleton rider Vladyslav Heraskevych's appeal dismissed by CAS

Court upholds disqualification for 'Memory Helmet' with political message

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Court of Arbitration for Sport has dismissed the appeal of Ukrainian Skeleton rider Vladyslav Heraskevych, upholding his disqualification for wearing a helmet with a political message during competition. The Sole Arbitrator ruled that while sympathetic to Heraskevych's commemoration, the IOC's Athlete Expression Guidelines provide a reasonable balance between athletes' interests to express their views and athletes' interests to receive undivided attention for their sporting performance on the field of play.

Why it matters

This decision highlights the ongoing tensions between athletes' desire for self-expression and the Olympic organizers' efforts to maintain neutrality and focus on sport during the Games. The ruling sets a precedent that the IOC's guidelines will be strictly enforced, even for athletes seeking to make political or social statements through their equipment or uniforms.

The details

Heraskevych was disqualified by the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation for wearing a 'Memory Helmet' that displayed a political message. The CAS Sole Arbitrator noted that while sympathetic to Heraskevych's commemoration, they were 'bound by rules in the IOC Athlete Expression Guidelines' and considered those Guidelines to 'provide a reasonable balance' between athletes' interests and the need for undivided attention on the field of play.

  • Heraskevych was disqualified during the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina.

The players

Vladyslav Heraskevych

A Ukrainian Skeleton rider who was disqualified from the 2026 Olympic Winter Games for wearing a helmet with a political message.

International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation

The international governing body for the sport of Skeleton that disqualified Heraskevych for violating the IOC's Athlete Expression Guidelines.

Court of Arbitration for Sport

The highest international court for resolving disputes in sport, which dismissed Heraskevych's appeal of his disqualification.

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The takeaway

This ruling demonstrates the Olympic organizers' continued commitment to maintaining neutrality and focus on sport during the Games, even when it means restricting athletes' ability to make political or social statements. It underscores the ongoing tension between these competing interests that will likely continue to be a point of debate in the lead-up to future Olympic Games.