Home / Sports / Zelenskyy Honors Olympian Barred Over War Helmet
Zelenskyy Honors Olympian Barred Over War Helmet
14 Feb
Summary
- Ukrainian Olympian Vladyslav Heraskevych banned from 2026 Winter Olympics.
- Helmet honored fallen athletes and friends from Ukraine's war.
- President Zelenskyy awarded Heraskevych the Order of Freedom.
Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych faced disqualification from the 2026 Winter Olympics. His custom helmet, designed to honor friends and athletes killed in Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia, was deemed a violation of the International Olympic Committee's rules on political statements. This decision came just 45 minutes before the competition was set to commence.
Despite his heartbreak over missing the Olympic opportunity, Heraskevych remained resolute in his commitment to remembering the fallen. He stated that the IOC's decision played into Russia's narrative and that he would not betray the memory of those who sacrificed. His father, Mykhailo Heraskevych, who coaches the Ukrainian skeleton team, expressed deep distress over the situation.
Upon his return to Ukraine, Heraskevych received a significant national honor. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented him with the Order of Freedom, a state decoration for outstanding contributions to Ukraine's sovereignty and independence. Zelenskyy commended Heraskevych's strength and courage in cherishing the truth and the memory of athletes lost due to Russian aggression.
