Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych intended to wear a helmet at the Milan Cortina Olympics featuring images of individuals who died as a result of the war initiated by Russia. This symbolic gesture aimed to honor the memories of those lost in the conflict, showcasing the profound impact of the ongoing war on individuals and families in Ukraine. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) responded to this gesture by disqualifying Heraskevych from the games, citing the act as politically motivated.

The disqualification raised significant discussions regarding the interaction between sports and political statements, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Critics of the IOC's decision argue that commemorating war victims should not be deemed a political act but rather an expression of grief and remembrance. This incident underscores the challenges athletes face when attempting to make statements about political or social issues through their sport, especially in an environment where international rules are stringent about political symbols in sports.

Former Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid commented on the situation, emphasizing that remembering lost companions is merely an act of memory and should not carry political implications. Her remarks highlight a broader conversation about how societies engage with remembrance in times of conflict and the complexities of separating personal memorials from perceived political actions. The impact of this decision by the IOC could also discourage athletes from voicing their solidarity with ongoing humanitarian crises in the future, potentially stifling important dialogues in sports.