Heraskevych banned from wearing memory helmet at the 2026 Olympics: reaction from Zelensky and Harlan

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladislav Heraskevych from competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan wearing a memory helmet that features photographs of deceased Ukrainian athletes. This decision was made on February 10, despite prior efforts from the sporting community, including a request from the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine.

Heraskevych, who was the flag bearer at the Olympic opening ceremony, stated that his helmet includes portraits of Ukrainian athletes who were killed during the war, including figure skater Dmytro Sharpar and biathlete Yevhen Malyshev. "This decision is simply heartbreaking," commented the athlete. Vladislav plans to challenge the ban and fight for his right to compete in the memory helmet.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's reaction supported Heraskevych. He emphasized that the memory of the fallen athletes must be honored on international sports arenas: "This truth cannot be uncomfortable, inappropriate, or labeled as a political action." Zelensky noted that Heraskevych's helmet reminds the world of the cost of Ukraine's struggle.

Comments from the sports community

Two-time Olympic fencing champion Olha Harlan also expressed her confusion over the ban, stressing that Heraskevych's helmet is not a political statement, but rather a tribute to the athletes who can no longer compete. "Banning this helmet means refusing to see this reality," she stated in her comment on social media.

The IOC proposed an alternative: Heraskevych has been offered to wear a black armband, but this cannot replace his memory helmet. As noted, the sports arena should not serve as a place for political statements; however, the organization initially allowed certain actions related to the context of the war.

The 2026 Winter Olympics will take place from February 6 to 22 in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, where Ukraine will be represented by 46 athletes in 11 sports. Despite the ban, Heraskevych and other athletes will continue to fight for victory and national dignity.