Ukrainian Skeleton racer barred from Olympics for refusing to remove a helmet honoring athletes killed during Russia’s war

Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych has been barred from competing at the Milano Cortina Olympics for refusing to remove a helmet honoring athletes and coaches killed during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The International Olympic Committee announced the decision Thursday, following a meeting between Heraskevych and IOC President Kirsty Coventry before the start of the skeleton competition.

“The IOC was very keen for Mr. Heraskevych to compete,” the organization said in a statement. “We explored ways to respectfully address his wish to honor fellow athletes who lost their lives after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This decision is not about the message itself, but the location where it was expressed.”

Heraskevych plans to appeal the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Outside the sliding center, he described the moment as indescribable. “It’s hard to say or put into words. It’s emptiness,” he said.

His helmet features images of more than 20 Ukrainian athletes and coaches who have died since the invasion nearly four years ago, including figure skater Dmytro Sharpar, a teammate from the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics.

The IOC ruled that the helmet violated its prohibition on political statements in competition. Officials offered alternatives, such as wearing a black armband or ribbon, and allowed Heraskevych to carry the helmet in the mixed zone after racing. He rejected those options, insisting his helmet is not a political statement.

“This is the price of our dignity,” he wrote on X following the IOC’s announcement.

Heraskevych had anticipated the decision, posting the night before: “For me, the sacrifice of the people depicted on the helmet means more than any medal ever could — because they gave the most precious thing they had.”