Ukrainian skeleton racer banned from Olympics speaks at United Nations

Vladyslav Heraskevych was not allowed to compete at the Milan Cortina Games due to his plan to wear a helmet paying tribute to those killed in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Vladyslav Heraskevych, a Ukrainian skeleton athlete, was not allowed to compete at the Milan Cortina Olympics because he planned to wear a helmet paying tribute to some of those killed following Russia's invasion of his country. He was invited to speak at the United Nations on Thursday, where he detailed why he still believes he made the right decision and emphasized the importance of using sports as a platform to discuss important issues beyond just winning medals.

Why it matters

Heraskevych's case highlights the tension between sports and politics, as well as the challenges athletes face in balancing their athletic pursuits with broader social and political issues. His invitation to speak at the UN underscores the growing recognition of the power of sports to drive awareness and change on global issues.

The details

Heraskevych was not allowed to compete at the Milan Cortina Games because the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation said his plan to wear a helmet paying tribute to those killed in the war was 'inconsistent with the Olympic Charter and Guidelines on Athlete Expression'. The IOC offered concessions, such as wearing a black armband or displaying the helmet off the ice, but Heraskevych refused to back down from his decision. Despite being barred from the Olympics, Heraskevych intends to continue competing in World Cup races and plans to participate in the 2030 Olympics.

  • Heraskevych was not allowed to compete at the Milan Cortina Games in 2026.
  • Heraskevych spoke at the United Nations on Thursday, March 27, 2026.

The players

Vladyslav Heraskevych

A Ukrainian skeleton athlete who was banned from competing in the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics for his plan to wear a helmet paying tribute to those killed in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation

The governing body that oversees skeleton racing and barred Heraskevych from competing at the Olympics due to his helmet design.

International Olympic Committee

The organization that oversees the Olympic Games and offered concessions to Heraskevych, such as wearing a black armband or displaying the helmet off the ice, but ultimately supported the ban on his helmet design.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think it's important that we use this stage and talk about important things. Sometimes it feels like, in all these hours of training, we really forgot about the overall mission of sports. It is not only about the medals, but it's also about values that we represent.”

— Vladyslav Heraskevych, Ukrainian skeleton athlete

“We can save lives with sport. Sport gave people some hope.”

— Vladyslav Heraskevych, Ukrainian skeleton athlete

What’s next

Heraskevych plans to compete in some World Cup races this coming season, including one at the Cortina d'Ampezzo track that he was kept from racing on last month. He also has plans to stick around for the 2030 Olympics.

The takeaway

Heraskevych's case demonstrates the growing tension between sports and politics, and the challenges athletes face in balancing their athletic pursuits with broader social and political issues. His invitation to speak at the UN underscores the power of sports to drive awareness and change on global issues beyond just winning medals.