Controversy at the Olympic Games: Ukrainian athlete will not be able to use helmet in tribute to deceased athletes
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has prohibited Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych from using a special helmet at the Milan Cortina Olympic Games. The helmet, designed to honor Ukrainian athletes who died in the war, was considered a violation of Olympic rules. The decision is based on Rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits any demonstration of a political, religious, or racial nature in the Olympic areas. Heraskevych, who carried his country’s flag at the opening ceremony, had used the helmet during training. The design paid tribute to athletes such as weightlifter Alina Perehudova, boxer Pavlo Ischenko, and ice hockey player Oleksiy Loginov, among others.The athlete expressed his discontent through his social media, highlighting that, in his opinion, the IOC does not act in the same way in other situations. Heraskevych expects a fair resolution from the organization. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his support for the athlete on the social network “X”, emphasizing that the tribute to fallen athletes should not be considered inappropriate at a sporting event. The IOC spokesperson, Mark Adams, although understanding of Heraskevych’s wish, stated that the helmet violates the guidelines. However, the IOC has allowed the athlete to wear a black armband as a sign of mourning during the competition.I have the feeling that the IOC is betraying those athletes who were part of the Olympic movement by not being honored.
Vladyslav Heraskevych
