IOC Disqualifies Ukrainian Heraskiewicz From The Olympics With The "Memorial Slam"

• 12.02.2026, 12:30

The athlete was suspended from competition.

The International Olympic Committee has disqualified Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych, who wanted to perform at the Winter Olympics in Italy wearing a helmet with the image of Ukrainian athletes killed in the war.

The IBSF reported.

Geraskevich, after coming to Italy for the Winter Olympics, trained wearing a helmet with the image of Ukrainian athletes killed in the war.

This protective element of the Ukrainian skeletonist's ammunition is called in the media the "Memorial Helmet" (and the Ukrainian himself so positions his helmet).

The IOC officially banned Geraskiewicz from competing at the Winter Olympics in Italy wearing the "Memorial Helmet." It was claimed that this could allegedly be seen as a "political action".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke in support of the Ukrainian skeleton athlete. He was also supported by all Ukrainians, as well as many people from other countries around the world.

Geraskevich said before the start of the skeleton competition that he did not want a scandal at the Olympics, but he was pleased with the IOC "with its interpretation of the rules, which many people consider discriminatory."

After that, he was disqualified by the IBSF jury "for refusing to comply with the IOC guidelines on athletes' self-expression" during the Olympic Games.

Remember, Heraskevich has been playing for the Ukrainian national team since 2016. At the Olympic Games and at the World Championships, he took quite high places.