IOC Rejects Olympics Tribute to Fallen Ukrainian Athletes
During the Milan Cortina Olympics, Ukrainian athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych sought to honor fallen colleagues through his helmet. The helmet bore the images of Ukrainian athletes killed in Russian attacks, including Youth Olympic Games medalists. Unfortunately, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) denied his request to wear it in competition.
IOC’s Decision on Heraskevych’s Helmet Tribute
Heraskevych, a promising contender in men’s skeleton, expressed disappointment after receiving a ruling from the IOC. He trained with the helmet, awaiting approval until the IOC’s verdict arrived on Monday night. “I cannot understand how this helmet hurt anyone,” he said, emphasizing that it was a tribute to those who were part of the Olympic family.
Reactions from Ukrainian Officials
The matter gained further attention when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on Heraskevych’s efforts. In an Instagram post, he praised the athlete for “reminding the world the price of our struggle.” Zelenskyy insisted that the tribute was not a political statement but a necessary reminder of sports’ global impact.
Notable Athletes Memorialized
The helmet featured several Ukrainian athletes, including:
- Dmytro Sharpar – Figure skater and former Youth Olympic teammate
- Pavlo Ishchenko – Boxer
- Oleksiy Loginov – Hockey player
Some of these athletes lost their lives on the front lines, while others died during aid distribution efforts in Ukraine. Heraskevych acknowledged not knowing all of them personally but felt a deep connection to their sacrifices.
Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter
In its ruling, the IOC stated that Heraskevych’s helmet violated Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter. This rule prohibits any form of demonstration or political propaganda at Olympic venues. The IOC noted that Ukraine’s sliding federation had not formally requested permission to wear the helmet prior to the competition.
Continued Advocacy and Legacy
Heraskevych has been vocal about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He previously expressed his concerns over the inclusion of neutral athletes from Russia in the Olympics. At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, he made headlines by displaying a sign that read, “No War in Ukraine.” After the event, the IOC clarified that this act was a general call for peace, with no repercussions for Heraskevych.
As he prepares for his event, Heraskevych remains committed to honoring his fellow athletes, stating, “For me, it will be very important to pay tribute to these athletes. We have to show also the huge price of Ukraine’s freedom.” While the IOC has ruled against the helmet, the message behind it resonates deeply within the Olympic spirit of unity and remembrance.
