Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevytsj faced a ban from the IOC for wanting to wear a helmet featuring images of war victims during the Olympics, with reactions from Ukrainian officials expressing their discontent over the decision.
Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevytsj attempted to make a poignant statement at the upcoming Olympics by customizing his helmet with images of Ukrainian sports heroes who have lost their lives due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. In response, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) rejected his request to wear this helmet, permitting instead a black armband as a means of mourning. This decision has sparked backlash from Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who argue that Heraskevytsj's intention was not a political statement but rather a solemn reminder of the cost of war and its impact on Ukrainian sports.
