Sport or politics: what lies behind Bayul’s statement
13 February 17:39
Ukrainian Olympic figure skating champion Oksana Baiul has called on athletes to focus on sport, training, and gratitude for the opportunity to represent their country at the Olympic Games. She wrote about this on her Instagram page, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
The statement came amid active public discussions about restrictions on Ukrainian athletes’ use of symbols and inscriptions that international sports organizations consider political.
What exactly is Bayul talking about?
Bayul said she watched several press conferences where, according to her, “everything except sports” was discussed. This is obviously a reference to events involving Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych, who was not allowed by the International Olympic Committee to compete wearing a helmet bearing the images of Ukrainian athletes killed in Russian attacks.
The champion stressed that the topics at press conferences should primarily concern sports, training, and participation in the Olympic Games.
“When you take a political stance, you instantly lose half of your audience and you will only be remembered for what you said at the Olympic Games,” Baiul wrote.
She also noted that for many athletes, the Olympics may be the only one in their career, and urged them to “enjoy the experience for what it is.”
What is known about the disqualification of the skeleton racer
Ukraine is officially appealing the disqualification of skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych at the 2026 Olympic Games, and former head of the President’s Office Andriy Yermak, who has renewed his law license, has joined his defense.
The day before, the IOC banned Heraskevych from competing in the “Helmet of Memory” at the Olympic Games.
At the same time, the Ukrainian drew attention to the double standards of the International Olympic Committee. In particular, he noted that an Italian snowboarder was allowed to compete with the Russian flag on his helmet, despite the fact that the symbols of the aggressor country are banned at the 2026 Games.
On February 12, Heraskevych was disqualified before his first run at the 2026 Olympic Games.
IOC arguments
The organization emphasized that the decision was made after Geraskevich refused to comply with the IOC’s Guidelines on Self-Expression for Athletes. It was made by the jury of the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) based on the fact that the helmet he intended to wear did not comply with the rules.
The IOC also emphasized that Geraskevich had a meeting with the organization’s president, Kirsten Coventry, in the morning, during which no consensus was reached.
According to the IOC, Heraskevich was allowed to display his helmet during all training runs and was also offered the option of displaying the helmet immediately after the competition in the mixed zone or starting the race wearing a black armband. The International Olympic Committee also emphasized that the issue was not the message Geraskevich wanted to convey, but the location.
An appeal was filed under an emergency procedure
The appeal has already been filed with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and the hearing is scheduled for February 13 in Milan. The Ukrainian side is counting on a quick and fair review, which could allow the athlete to return to competition.
The appeal to CAS was filed by lawyer and public figure Yevgeny Pronin. According to him, the case is being considered under a special expedited procedure, which allows for a decision to be made as quickly as possible — within 24 hours.
The defense considers the disqualification unfair
The appeal was filed on behalf of Vladislav Heraskevich after his disqualification by the International Olympic Committee. The reason was the athlete’s use of a helmet with images of Ukrainian athletes who died as a result of Russian aggression.
The IOC explained its decision by stating that such actions could be interpreted as a political statement, which is prohibited by Rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter.
At the same time, the defense insists that there was no violation.
Who is Oksana Baiul
Oksana Baiul is the first Olympic champion of independent Ukraine, who won gold at the 1994 Winter Olympics. During those Games, she competed in the final with a leg injury sustained during training, but still won.
After retiring from sports, Baiul performed and lived in the United States.
In 2016, she filed a lawsuit against Ukraine in a US court. The athlete demanded $50 million in compensation for “breach of fair business practices under an employment contract” and “transfer of the right to use her name, popularity, and biographical information to unrelated third parties.” However, Baiul lost the case.
In 2021, the athlete renounced her Ukrainian citizenship. She currently resides in the United States.
