Ukrainian Olympian Vladyslav Heraskevych faced disqualification from the men's skeleton event at the Winter Games due to his insistence on wearing a helmet that honors his countrymen who lost their lives in the ongoing conflict with Russia. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) opposed his decision, citing rules against political statements during competitions. Leading up to the event, IOC President Kirsty Coventry personally attempted to negotiate with Heraskevych regarding the helmet, but he remained resolute in his stance.

The conflict escalated over a three-day period as Heraskevych maintained that the helmet served as a tribute to those fallen athletes, while the IOC and the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) deemed it non-compliant with the Olympic Charter regarding athlete expression. Despite the IOC proposing alternative gestures of remembrance, such as wearing a black armband or displaying the helmet off the ice, Heraskevych chose to stand firm on the matter, ultimately leading to his disqualification.

This situation raises questions about the intersection of sports and political expression, particularly in light of the war in Ukraine. Heraskevych's decision not only reflects his personal values and respect for his countrymen but also highlights the broader implications of how international sports organizations navigate political sensitivities. The incident fuels the ongoing discussion about athlete rights and the extent to which they can express their beliefs while participating in global events like the Olympics.