Vladyslav Heraskevych, a skeleton racer from Ukraine, has actively tried to raise awareness about the ongoing conflict with Russia by wearing a helmet featuring portraits of Ukrainian athletes who have died since the invasion began nearly four years ago. However, his intention to wear this helmet during competitions has been thwarted, as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned him from doing so, a decision that he announced on social media. The IOC's ban applies to both training sessions and competitions, and the organization has not publicly commented on this controversial decision.

Heraskevych expressed his deep disappointment regarding the IOC's ruling, stating that it "just rips his heart apart." He plans to formally request permission from the IOC to continue wearing the helmet, emphasizing the importance of remembering and honoring those who have lost their lives due to the ongoing conflict. The backdrop to this situation is significant, as it occurs just before the fourth anniversary of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began shortly after the conclusion of the Beijing Winter Olympics in 2022.

This incident highlights the challenges athletes face in using their platforms for political messages and raises questions about the role of sporting bodies like the IOC in matters of national significance. As the conflict escalates and anniversaries are noted, there is a growing desire among athletes to connect their sports with broader humanitarian issues, signaling the complexity of sports in the context of global politics and national identity.