IOC suggests Ukrainian skeleton racer Heraskevych wear black armband instead of remembrance helmet
Mark Adams, spokesperson for the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has commented on the ban on the "helmet of remembrance" worn by Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych to honour athletes who have been killed due to Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
Source: Reuters, as reported by Champion, a sports news platform within Ukrainska Pravda's holding company
Details: Adams said an exception will be made for Heraskevych and he will be permitted to wear a black armband at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The spokesperson described the decision as a compromise by the IOC.
"We tried to address his desire with compassion. The IOC fully understands the desire of athletes to remember friends who lost their lives in that conflict," Adams said.
He also emphasised that the competitions must remain as neutral as possible.
Quote: "This helmet contravenes the ... guidelines but ... we will make an exception to allow him to wear a black armband during that competition to make that commemoration ... We feel this is a good compromise of the situation."
Details: The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine (NOC) has published the IOC's response to its official letter requesting permission for Heraskevych to wear the helmet.
Heraskevych and NOC representatives will hold a press conference in the centre of Cortina d'Ampezzo (near the Olympic rings) at 17:30 on Tuesday 10 February to answer any questions from the media regarding the situation.
Background:
- Heraskevych's special helmet features portraits of Ukrainian athletes killed by Russia. He wore it during his first training sessions at the 2026 Games.
- The skeleton racer's stance has been supported by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. NHL legend Dominik Hašek has also defended Heraskevych.