Heraskevych disqualified at 2026 Olympics over ‘Memory Helmet’
Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych was unable to take part in the first heat at the 2026 Olympic Games after being disqualified.
The athlete had planned to compete wearing a so-called “memory helmet” featuring images of Ukrainian athletes killed as a result of Russian aggression. The International Olympic Committee prohibited the use of the item during competition.
Failure to comply with the requirement would result in exclusion from the event — which ultimately occurred.
On the day of the competition, Heraskevych published a statement on his Instagram page commenting on the developments surrounding the “memory helmet”.
The situation has attracted significant international attention and sparked debate over IOC regulations and the possibility of commemorating fallen athletes on the sporting stage.
During training runs at the Olympic Games in Italy, Heraskevych appeared at the start wearing the symbolic helmet, which displayed images of more than 20 Ukrainian athletes killed by Russia.
Earlier, the Ukrainian skeleton racer found himself at the centre of controversy at the 2026 Olympics over his intention to honour his fallen compatriots.
Eight sets of medals are due to be contested on the sixth day of the 2026 Games.
Previously, a Ukrainian short track skater was also barred from wearing a helmet featuring a quote by poet Lina Kostenko at the Olympics.
