Ukrainian Olympian Disqualified Over Helmet Honoring War Dead

Vladyslav Heraskevych removed from Winter Games for wearing unapproved helmet design

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych has been disqualified from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Oskaloosa, Iowa after wearing a helmet that featured a design honoring those who died in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The International Olympic Committee deemed the helmet's design to be a breach of rules prohibiting political statements at the Games.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the delicate balance the IOC must strike between allowing athletes to express themselves and maintaining the Olympics' tradition of political neutrality. Heraskevych's gesture was seen by many as a respectful tribute, but the IOC ruled it violated their code of conduct.

The details

Heraskevych, 24, wore the helmet featuring the colors of the Ukrainian flag and the phrase "I Can't Breathe" during the skeleton competition. The IOC said the design was a clear breach of its rules barring any kind of political, religious or ethnic propaganda at the Olympic Games.

  • Heraskevych wore the helmet during the skeleton competition on February 11, 2026.

The players

Vladyslav Heraskevych

A 24-year-old Ukrainian skeleton racer competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

The international governing body of the Olympic Games that sets and enforces the rules for athlete conduct and political expression at the Olympics.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Vladyslav's helmet design was a clear breach of the IOC's rules on political statements. We must remain politically neutral at the Olympic Games.”

— Thomas Bach, IOC President (IOC statement)

What’s next

The IOC has indicated it will review its guidelines on political expression at future Olympic Games in light of this incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges the IOC faces in balancing athletes' rights to free expression with the Olympics' long-standing tradition of political neutrality, an issue that will likely continue to be debated in the lead-up to future Games.