Blow before the start: Geraskevich disqualified from the 2026 Olympics
12 February 11:16
Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladislav Heraskevich was disqualified before the first race at the 2026 Olympic Games.
According to Suspilne Sport, Heraskevych planned to compete in the first race in the “Helmet of Memory,” but the race took place without him, reports "Komersant Ukrainian".
The day before, the IOC banned Heraskevych from competing in the “Helmet of Remembrance” at the Olympic Games. For this, the Ukrainian faced disqualification.
On the day of the competition, Heraskevych posted a statement on his Instagram page about the recent events related to the “Helmet of Memory.”
“I never wanted a scandal with the IOC, and I did not create one. The IOC created it with its interpretation of the rules, which many consider discriminatory.
Although the IOC’s actions have made it possible to speak loudly about the Ukrainian athletes who died, at the same time, the very fact of the scandal distracts a huge amount of attention from the competition itself and from the athletes participating in it. Therefore, I once again propose to end the scandal.
I ask that:
1. Lift the ban on the use of the “Helmet of Remembrance.”
2. Apologize for the pressure exerted on me over the past few days.
3. As a sign of solidarity with Ukrainian sport, provide electric generators for Ukrainian sports facilities that suffer daily from shelling.
I really hope to receive a response before the start of the skeleton competition,” the athlete wrote.
The IOC explained its position on Vladislav Heraskevich
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 approved 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 Heraskevich 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 opportunity to display the helmet immediately after the competition in the mixed zone or to start 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.
