Ukrainian Athlete Banned from Winter Olympics: The Controversial Helmet of Remembrance

Sat Feb 14 2026 01:23:17 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The disqualification of Vladyslav Heraskevych, a Ukrainian skeleton racer, has sparked international debate as he refuses to remove his helmet that honors fallen athletes killed in the ongoing war with Russia.

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych has been disqualified from the Winter Olympics after refusing to stop wearing a helmet adorned with the names and images of athletes who have died in the Russia-Ukraine war. His disqualification ignites discussions surrounding the boundaries of sports and political statements, and the significance of remembrance in times of conflict. Over 20 names, including teenagers and established athletes, are painted on his helmet, showcasing the extensive toll of the ongoing war on sports culture and the broader Ukrainian community.

Ukrainian Athlete Banned from Winter Olympics: The Controversial Helmet of Remembrance

Ukrainian slider Vladislav Heraskevych's disqualification from the Winter Olympics over his helmet depicting fellow athletes killed since Russia's full-scale invasion is the Games' biggest controversy so far. Heraskevych was barred from the men's skeleton in Milan-Cortina earlier this week after he refused to stop wearing it and on Friday his appeal was denied.

He has said those featured on his helmet include teenage weightlifter Alina Peregudova, boxer Pavlo Ishchenko, and ice hockey player Oleksiy Loginov, adding that some of them were his friends. More than 20 athletes appear on the helmet in total, highlighting the extensive impact of the war on Ukraine's sporting community.