The Winter Games in Italy witnessed a poignant moment of defiance and its swift consequence when Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified on Thursday. His offense? Planning to wear a helmet boldly adorned with images of his compatriots, including fellow athletes, who had tragically lost their lives in the ongoing war with Russia.
Olympic officials had previously cautioned Heraskevych, a competitor in the fast-paced skeleton sledding event, that his tribute violated the Games’ stringent regulations against political demonstrations. Despite these warnings, Heraskevych remained steadfast in his intention to compete with the commemorative helmet.
On Thursday morning, just as the skeleton competition was set to commence, the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation’s jury formally barred him, citing that “the helmet he intended to wear was not compliant with the rules.”
The gravity of the situation was underscored by a meeting between Heraskevych and Kirsty Coventry, President of the International Olympic Committee (I.O.C.), held at the Cortina d’Ampezzo venue. Following their discussion, the I.O.C. issued a statement expressing regret over its decision to withdraw his accreditation, noting that Heraskevych “did not consider any form of compromise.”
The committee “has therefore decided with regret to withdraw his accreditation” for the Games, it said.
This incident has quickly escalated into one of the initial major controversies of these Games, where the inherent global stage often sees political statements emerge, despite strict Olympic prohibitions during competition and medal ceremonies.
Heraskevych, 27, articulated that his “remembrance helmet” depicted people who were killed during Russia’s war with Ukraine, some of them athletes, including friends of his. Olympic officials said this week that Mr. Heraskevych had the option of wearing a black armband to memorialize the dead if he wanted.
“The Games need to be separated from all types of interference so that all athletes can concentrate on their performances,” Mark Adams, an I.O.C. spokesman, told journalists at a news conference before the competition.
Before the competition, Mr. Heraskevych posted on social media: “I am convinced that we did not violate any I.O.C. rules, and therefore we have every right to wear this helmet.” Prior to his disqualification, he also demanded an apology from the I.O.C. and requested a donation towards power generators for Ukrainian sports facilities devastated by the invasion.
His stance garnered significant support from Ukrainian officials and other athletes. Notably, on Tuesday, Ukrainian luge competitor Olena Smaha showcased her solidarity by wearing a message on her glove that read: “Remembrance is not a violation.”