Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladislav Heraskevich announced on Tuesday that he plans to wear a “memorial helmet” at the upcoming Olympic Games, despite a ban from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This helmet features pictures of 24 deceased Ukrainian athletes, and he has been training in Italy with it. However, the IOC has informed him that he won’t be allowed to use it during the Games, which commence on Thursday, citing rules against political statements in stadiums.
Interestingly, they suggested that he could opt for a black armband instead.
“Thanks to their sacrifice, we can compete here as a team. I will not let them down,” Heraskevich remarked during an outdoor press conference by the Olympic rings in Cortina. He emphasized that he feels these athletes should be with him on race day, insisting, “I used them yesterday, I used them today…I will use them on race day.”
Support from a coach
Heraskevich mentioned that while he’s trying to focus on performing well, he’s also fighting for the right to wear his helmet. He gained encouragement from fellow athletes and Latvian coach Ivo Steinbergs, who attended the press conference to show his support.
“There is strong support from other countries,” Steinbergs stated, relating that the President of Latvia met with them and expressed backing for Heraskevich. He also mentioned they would brainstorm ways to support him if disqualified.
In a demonstration of solidarity, Ukrainian Luger Olena Smaha showcased a glove with the message “Memory is not a violation” written in English.
IOC offers armband compromise
The IOC, on the same day, acknowledged athletes had worn helmets during training and expressed themselves on social media, but they will not be permitted to do so once competition starts. An IOC spokesman explained that they wanted to accommodate Heraskevich’s request compassionately, recognizing the athletes’ desire to honor their fallen friends.
Rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter prohibits athletes from engaging in demonstrations or raising political, religious, or racial issues at the stadium or podium. “The Olympics need to be isolated from any kind of interference… to keep that moment pure for competition,” the spokesman added, while allowing for the exception of a black armband to remember lost athletes.
Ukrainian politicians complain about ban
Support for Heraskevich has come from Ukrainian political leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko. Sviridenko stated that over 650 Ukrainian athletes won’t ever compete again due to the war and criticized the IOC’s decision as deeply wrong, saying, “Memorializing the dead is not politics. It is dignity.”
She added that the IOC should honor those who cannot compete rather than silence their memories. The helmet features images of various athletes who lost their lives in the conflict, including Heraskevich’s friends.
Disputes over social media posts
On Tuesday, the IOC requested Heraskevich remove a social media post naming the IOC representative who had informed him about his helmet’s non-compliance with regulations, citing potential online abuse. Heraskevich stated he doesn’t see an issue with naming the representative.
Meanwhile, athletes from Russia and Belarus have faced bans from international sports since the invasion of Ukraine, although the IOC is gradually reconsidering their return under strict conditions. Both countries argue that sports should remain separate from political conflicts.
