Ukrainian Skeleton Racer Banned from Olympics Over Helmet Gifted $200K to Continue Advocacy

Vladislav Heraskevych was disqualified from the 2026 Winter Olympics for wearing a helmet depicting victims of the war in Ukraine.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladislav Heraskevych was banned from competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics after he defied officials and wore a helmet depicting victims of the Ukraine-Russia war. Heraskevych has now received a $200,000 gift from a Ukrainian businessman to help him continue his sporting career and advocacy work.

Why it matters

Heraskevych's case highlights the tension between politics and sports, as the International Olympic Committee prohibits political demonstrations. However, Heraskevych felt it was important to honor the Ukrainian athletes who have been killed in the ongoing conflict.

The details

Heraskevych's grey helmet featured the faces of around two dozen Ukrainian athletes who have been killed in the war, including teenage weightlifter Alina Peregudova, boxer Pavlo Ishchenko, and ice hockey player Oleksiy Loginov. The IOC told Ukraine's Olympic Committee that Heraskevych could not wear the helmet, but he defied the ruling and wore it during his next competition, leading to his disqualification.

  • Heraskevych was disqualified from the 2026 Winter Olympics in February 2026.
  • Heraskevych received the $200,000 gift from Ukrainian businessman Rinat Akhmetov in February 2026.

The players

Vladislav Heraskevych

A Ukrainian skeleton racer who was banned from competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics for wearing a helmet depicting victims of the Ukraine-Russia war.

Rinat Akhmetov

A Ukrainian businessman who gifted Heraskevych $200,000 to help him continue his sporting career and advocacy work.

International Olympic Committee (IOC)

The governing body of the Olympic Games that banned Heraskevych from competing due to his helmet depicting political content.

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What they’re saying

“Vlad Heraskevych was denied the opportunity to compete for victory at the Olympic Games, yet he returns to Ukraine a true winner. The respect and pride he has earned among Ukrainians through his actions are the highest reward.”

— Rinat Akhmetov, Ukrainian businessman (Associated Press)

“Some of them were my friends.”

— Vladislav Heraskevych (Reuters)

“This is [the] price of our dignity.”

— Vladislav Heraskevych (Social media)

What’s next

The $200,000 gift from Rinat Akhmetov is designed to help Heraskevych continue his sporting career and advocacy work for Ukraine on the international stage.

The takeaway

Heraskevych's case highlights the ongoing tensions between sports and politics, as well as the importance of using one's platform to honor those who have lost their lives in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Despite being banned from the Olympics, Heraskevych's actions have earned him widespread respect and support from Ukrainians.