Winter Olympics Milano Cortina 2026: Vladyslav Heraskevych Barred By IOC For His Controversial Helmet

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from the 2026 Winter Olympics on February 12 after refusing to remove a helmet honoring fallen compatriots. The helmet of remembrance featured portraits of 24 Ukrainian athletes and children killed during the Russian invasion. The IOC ruled the tribute violated Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits political demonstrations on the field of play. Despite a meeting with IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who was reportedly moved to tears, Heraskevych refused to compromise, stating that backing down would be a betrayal of those who sacrificed their lives. Here is the entire story in pictures.

Updated on: 13 February 2026 9:09 am

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Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych holds his crash helmet as he stands in the mixed zone of the sliding center at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. | Photo: AP/Alessandra Tarantino

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Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych holds his crash helmet as he stands outside the sliding center at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. | Photo: AP/Alessandra Tarantino

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A scoreboard, that indicates that Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych did not start, is seen at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. | Photo: AP/Alessandra Tarantino

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Ukraine's Vladyslav Heraskevych starts a men's skeleton training session at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. | Photo: AP/Aijaz Rahi

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Ukraine's Vladyslav Heraskevych arrives at the finish during a men's skeleton training session at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. | Photo: AP/Alessandra Tarantino

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Ukraine's Vladyslav Heraskevych arrives at the finish during a men's skeleton training session at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. | Photo: AP/Alessandra Tarantino