Ukraine star disqualified from Winter Olympics over helmet paying respects to deadVladyslav Heraskevych planned to hear a special helmet which features images of 24 Ukrainian athletes who've been killed during Russia's invasion of his home countryView 2 Images Vladyslav Heraskevych wore his 'helmet of memory' in training (Image: Al Bello/Getty Images)Ukraine's Vladyslav Heraskevych has been disqualified from the Winter Olympics after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) refused to let him wear his 'helmet of memory'. Heraskevych, a skeleton pilot, arrived in Milano Cortina with a specially-made helmet which features images of 24 deceased Ukrainian athletes who've died at the hands of Russia's invasion. ‌The 27-year-old wore the helmet during a training session on Wednesday after being told that it wasn't allowed. Despite making a plea to the IOC, the committee insists that the helmet is a political statement and have disqualified Heraskevych by revoking his Olympics accreditation. The IOC said in a statement: "The decision followed his refusal to comply with the IOC’s Guidelines on Athlete Expression.

Source: Express February 12, 2026 12:11 UTC