Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych has lost his appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding his disqualification at the Winter Olympics 2026.
The case centered on a helmet design featuring portraits of fallen Ukrainian athletes and coaches. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) ruled that the helmet violated rules restricting political or demonstrative expressions during Olympic competition.
Heraskevych challenged the decision, arguing that the design was an act of remembrance rather than political messaging. However, CAS upheld the original ruling, stating that the applicable regulations were proportionate and valid under Olympic rules.
As a result, the disqualification stands.
This decision is likely to spark further debate about the boundaries between personal expression, remembrance, and political neutrality in international sport — especially in the context of ongoing war.
What do you think — should athletes be allowed to express commemorative messages during Olympic competition, or should strict neutrality apply across the board?
Source: OkPerformance1868
1 Comment
It’s just like dedicating a win to a country or a trainer or your* mam and paw.
What happened was fickle and likely influenced by someone with more money, it’s a shame.
Glory to the heroes, the living legends, the Ukrainian people.
SLAVA UKRAINI.