Volodymyr Zelenskyy praises Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych for defying Olympic rules and wearing protest helmet in Cortina Italy

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly praised skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych for showing defiance in the face of Olympic rules, saying that “courage is worth more than any medal.”

Heraskevych was disqualified from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, for refusing to remove a helmet honoring victims of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

His bold protest has sparked an international debate over politics, sport, and remembrance.

Zelenskyy’s statement came after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed Heraskevych’s expulsion just hours before his first skeleton heat, making him unable to compete despite being a serious medal contender.

In a heartfelt 272-word post on social media, Zelenskyy called the decision “a betrayal of Olympism” and praised Heraskevych’s stand as a tribute to fallen Ukrainian athletes.

The Helmet That Sparked Controversy

Heraskevych’s helmet featured portraits of Ukrainian athletes who lost their lives due to Russia’s ongoing invasion.

While the IOC allows some forms of expression, it strictly prohibits political messaging on the field of play.

The athlete argued that his helmet was about remembrance, not politics, insisting that sport should not mean “amnesia” and that the Olympic movement should help “stop wars, not play into the hands of aggressors.”

IOC President Kirsty Coventry reportedly tried multiple times to convince Heraskevych to compromise, including a final plea on the morning of the race.

Despite these efforts, the 27-year-old refused, calling the decision a betrayal of the memory of those who had died.

International Backlash and Russian Involvement

Zelenskyy also criticized Russia’s ongoing involvement in the Olympics, pointing out that 13 Russian athletes are competing under a “neutral” flag, even as some have ties to wartime activity.

“It is Russia that constantly violates Olympic principles,” he said, listing the nation’s conflicts from Georgia in 2008 to Crimea in 2014, and Ukraine in 2022.

He reminded the world that over 660 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have died since the full-scale invasion began, while Russians continue to compete unchallenged.

Heraskevych echoed his president’s frustration, saying: “They were killed, but their voice is so loud that the IOC is afraid of them.

I sincerely believe it is precisely because of their sacrifice that these Olympic Games can take place at all today.”

Emotional Impact on Family and Teammates

The news hit Heraskevych’s family hard.

His father and coach, Mykhailo, was seen in tears in the snow, illustrating the personal toll of this decision.

Heraskevych himself shared his disappointment on social media, calling his disqualification “the price of our dignity.”

Despite the blow, he remains resolute, insisting that he will not betray the memory of his fallen compatriots.

IOC Position and Guidelines

The IOC stated that Heraskevych had been offered multiple alternatives, including displaying the helmet during training runs or in the mixed zone after competition.

They emphasized that athletes can mourn and express themselves in various approved ways, such as through black armbands or media interactions.

The IOC also highlighted that Heraskevych had been an Olympic scholarship holder for the past three Winter Games and that Ukrainian athletes continue to receive support through solidarity funds.

What’s Next?

Heraskevych has said he plans to appeal the disqualification to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

While it’s unlikely to change the outcome of the current competition, the case has already sparked broader discussions on the role of politics and remembrance in sport.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy’s backing may encourage further international scrutiny of the IOC’s rules and consistency in enforcement.

Summary

Vladyslav Heraskevych, a Ukrainian skeleton racer, was disqualified from the 2026 Winter Olympics for refusing to remove a helmet honoring athletes killed in the Russian invasion.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised his courage, saying it outweighs medals, while the IOC defended its rules on political messaging.

The incident has sparked global debate on the limits of athlete expression, Russia’s continued presence under “neutral” flags, and the role of the Olympics in remembering real-world conflicts.

Heraskevych remains determined to honor his fallen compatriots and plans to appeal the IOC’s decision, keeping the spotlight on the intersection of sport, memory, and politics.