Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has awarded the Order of Freedom to Vladyslav Heraskevych, a skeleton athlete who was disqualified from the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina for wearing a helmet decorated with pictures of Ukrainian athletes who have died in the ongoing war. Zelensky emphasized that this award recognizes Heraskevych's selfless service to the Ukrainian people and his civic courage, demonstrating patriotism in defense of freedom and democratic values.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) prohibited Heraskevych from competing with the helmet, citing regulations that forbid political demonstrations during competitions. This incident raises questions about the IOC's stance on political expression in sports and the implications for athletes who seek to make personal statements through their competitive platforms. Many view Heraskevych's disqualification as an infringement on athlete rights and a suppression of individual expression.

This event has larger ramifications as it highlights the intersection of sports, politics, and national identity, particularly in the context of Ukraine's ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. By honoring Heraskevych, Zelensky not only boosts the morale of the Ukrainian athletes but also signals to the international community the profound impact of the war on Ukrainian identity and expression in global venues. Such incidents could influence future debates about athlete autonomy and political expressions within the sporting world.