Olympic Officials Ban Ukrainian Athlete's Helmet Honoring War Dead

Vladyslav Heraskevych was told he could not wear the helmet featuring images of fallen Ukrainian athletes in competition.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A Ukrainian skeleton athlete named Vladyslav Heraskevych was prohibited from wearing a helmet featuring images of Ukrainian athletes killed in the war with Russia during the Winter Olympics in Italy. Olympic officials said the helmet violated rules against political speech at the Games, though they allowed Heraskevych to wear a black armband as a gesture of remembrance.

Why it matters

The decision highlights the ongoing tensions between the Olympic movement's desire for political neutrality and athletes' wishes to make statements about important issues. This case follows other recent controversies over political apparel and displays at the Olympics.

The details

Heraskevych, 27, posted a video explaining that the 'remembrance helmet' featured photographs of Ukrainian athletes who have died in the war. After a training session, an IOC representative informed him he could not wear the helmet in official training or competition. The IOC said it would allow Heraskevych to wear a plain black armband instead, as text or imagery on the helmet was considered political expression that violated Olympic rules.

  • On Monday night, Heraskevych was informed by an IOC representative that he could not wear the helmet.
  • On Tuesday, the IOC spokesman announced the decision to the media in Milan.

The players

Vladyslav Heraskevych

A 27-year-old Ukrainian skeleton athlete competing in the Winter Olympics in Italy.

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

The governing body of the Olympic movement that sets and enforces the rules for the Olympic Games.

Mark Adams

An IOC spokesman who announced the decision to the media.

Volodymyr Zelensky

The President of Ukraine, who praised Heraskevych for 'reminding the world of the price of our struggle'.

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What they’re saying

“Despite this, we do not give up. We continue the fight.”

— Vladyslav Heraskevych (Instagram)

“We need to keep that specific moment, that field of play, as pure as we can for the competition.”

— Mark Adams, IOC Spokesman (The New York Times)

“This is precisely what reminds everyone of the global role of sport and the historic mission of the Olympic movement itself — it is all about peace and for the sake of life.”

— Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine (Social Media)

What’s next

The IOC will allow Heraskevych to wear a plain black armband as a gesture of remembrance during the competition.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between the Olympic movement's desire for political neutrality and athletes' wishes to make statements about important issues. While the IOC has loosened some rules in recent years, it remains committed to keeping the field of play free from political expression.