Ukrainian athlete recalls his anti-war protest at 2022 Olympics, says IOC has changed dramatically
Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych has recalled his action at the 2022 Olympic Games when he called for an end to the war in Ukraine.
Source: Heraskevych on Instagram
Details: Heraskevych appeared on camera with a poster reading "No war in Ukraine" at the 2022 Olympic Games. He said that the call for peace has become even more relevant over these four years and that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has changed dramatically.
At that time, the IOC viewed Heraskevych's silent action as a call for peace, so no sanctions were imposed.
Quote: "Now, at the Olympics, we have already seen a large number of Russian flags in the stands on the helmet of one of the athletes – and for the IOC, this is not a violation. Yet a violation was found in the 'helmet of memory', which pays tribute to members of the Ukrainian sports family who have been killed since the last Olympic Games were held.
The truth is on our side. I hope for a fair final decision from the IOC."
Background:
- Heraskevych held his first training sessions at the 2026 Olympic Games wearing a helmet featuring portraits of Ukrainian athletes who have been killed as a result of the Russian invasion. The IOC banned him from using this "helmet of memory".
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy supported Heraskevych, and the Ukrainian National Olympic Committee called on the IOC to allow the athlete to continue using the helmet at the 2026 Games.
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