IOC blocks remembrance helmet but permits black armband for Ukrainian athlete Heraskevych
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 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 that Heraskevych will be granted an exception to the rules and allowed 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 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) also published the IOC's response to its official letter requesting permission for Heraskevych to use the helmet.
A press conference featuring Heraskevych and representatives of the NOC will take place in the centre of Cortina d'Ampezzo (near the Olympic rings) at 17:30 on Tuesday 10 February to answer all media questions regarding the situation.
Background:
- Heraskevych's special helmet features portraits of Ukrainian athletes killed by Russia. He has already used 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.
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