12.02.2026 23:50
Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych, competing in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, raced with a helmet featuring photos of those who lost their lives in the Russia-Ukraine War. The young athlete was disqualified by the organization due to this helmet. His father and coach, Mykhailo Heraskevych, could not hold back his tears after the decision.
Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladislav Heraskevich, competing in the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, was disqualified by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for continuing to wear a helmet bearing the photos of athletes who lost their lives in Russia's attacks.
CONTINUED TO WEAR THE HELMET, DISQUALIFIED
Vladislav Heraskevich wore the same helmet during training and official preparation series. The IOC announced on Tuesday that the helmet was against the rules, but the 27-year-old athlete, who rejected IOC President Kirsty Coventry's attempts to persuade him to remove the helmet, maintained his stance during training runs. Following this stance, the Ukrainian athlete was expelled from the games for acting against the athlete guidelines. His father and coach Mykhailo Heraskevych could not hold back his tears after this decision.
'HE DID NOT ACCEPT COMPROMISE'
In a statement regarding the disqualification, IOC President Kirsty Coventry said, "We wanted Mr. Heraskevich to compete very much. We discussed how we could address his desire to commemorate his friends in the most respectful way. However, he did not accept the compromise."
'THIS IS THE PRICE OF OUR HONOR'
Heraskevych reacted to the decision with a post on social media saying, "This is the price of our honor."