Vladislav Heraskevych, a Ukrainian skeleton athlete, voiced his anger and frustration after being disqualified from the 2026 Winter Olympics for what he perceived as a violation related to his helmet. He firmly believes he did not infringe upon any rules set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). His comments indicate a deeper concern about fairness and consistency in how the IOC applies its regulations, especially in light of differing treatments for other athletes with similar circumstances.

Heraskevych argues that his disqualification aligns with what he perceives as a biased stance from the IOC, potentially exacerbated by the ongoing geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia's actions. He highlighted that some athletes have faced little to no consequences for actions that violate the same rules. Specifically, he pointed out an incident involving a snowboarding athlete who displayed a Russian flag, which according to IOC regulations, is prohibited. Heraskevych’s disqualification raises questions about the integrity of the competition and whether political considerations unduly influence sporting decisions.

As the flag bearer for the Ukrainian delegation, Heraskevych's case is not just a personal grievance but poses implications for how athletes from countries in conflict are treated in international competitions. His statements reflect a broader issue of ensuring that all athletes are judged fairly and equitably, emphasizing the importance of transparent and consistent enforcement of regulations by international sports authorities to maintain the spirit of competition.