Is banned Olympic 'helmet of remembrance' political?

The IOC has disqualified Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych for wearing a helmet that features images of athletes killed in the war on Ukraine during competition. DW has what you need to know.

Who is Vladyslav Heraskevych?

In Pyeongchang in 2018, the Kyiv native became the first Ukrainian to compete in skeleton at the Winter Olympics. Heraskevych also competed in Beijing in 2022. After the third of four runs there, he held up a sign with the English inscription "No war in Ukraine" for the cameras at the finish line of the run. Thirteen days later, Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Since then, Heraskevych has tirelessly used his sport to draw attention to the suffering of the people in Ukraine and to urge further strict sanctions against Russian sports. The skeleton racer was given the honor of being one of Ukraine's flag bearers for the Milano Cortina Games' opening ceremonies.

Heraskevych finished 12th in 2018 and 18th in 2022 but there had been some suggestions he would have been among the medal contenders this time.

What is his dispute with the IOC about?

Heraskevych wanted to wear his "helmet of remembrance" not only in training but also during the Olympic race in Cortina. It features images of Ukrainian athletes who were killed during Russia's war on Ukraine.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) considers the helmet a violation of Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which states: "No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas."

Announcing his disqualification shortly before he was due to race on Thursday, the IOC said: "The decision followed his refusal to comply with the IOC’s Guidelines on Athlete Expression. It was taken by the jury of the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation based on the fact that the helmet he intended to wear was not compliant with the rules."

In 2020, the IOC Athletes' Commission published guidelines on how to implement the relevant rule. According to these guidelines, athletes should only be allowed to express political views during the Olympic Games at press conferences, in interviews in the mixed zones, at team meetings, on social media or through media outlets.

IOC spokesman Mark Adams told a press conference this week: "There are 130 conflicts going on in the world. We cannot have 130 different conflicts featured, however terrible they are, during the field of play, during the actual competition."

Therefore, Heraskevych is allowed to express his political views outside of competition, but not during the race.

How have similar incidents been treated in the past?

United States figure skater Maxim Naumov displayed a picture of his parents, who died in a plane crash, after his short program on Tuesday evening in Milan, without any objections being raised. Heraskevych has previously pointed to the example of German weightlifter Matthias Steiner, who held up a photo of his deceased wife after his Olympic victory in Beijing in 2008.

According to the IOC, the cases are not comparable. The rules have evolved since 2008. Naumov's behavior was "a very emotional, very human, spontaneous gesture," according to IOC spokesman Adams: "In a sense it highlights what we are saying, this Ukrainian athlete, he can do the same."

What happens to Heraskevych now?

The IOC initially said that he had, "with regret" been stripped of his accreditation for the Games and had to leave the Olympic Village immediately. It later rescinded that decision, saying the U-turn had come at the request of IOC President Kirsty Coventry.

Heraskevych told reporters at the track: "It’s hard to say or put into words. It’s emptiness." but added that he would appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. But any chance of a medal has clearly gone, with the competition beginning without the Ukrainian athlete. 

What have the reactions been?

Heraskevych has received support from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On X, he wrote that it ​contradicted the spirit of the ​Games.

"Sport shouldn't mean amnesia, ​and ‌the Olympic movement should help stop wars, ‌not play into the ‌hands ​of aggressors," he wrote.

While the IOC have implemented the ban, Coventry had tears running down her face when she spoke of the decision. 

"No one, especially me, is disagreeing with the messaging, it’s a powerful message, it’s a message of remembrance, of memory. The challenge was to find a solution for the field of play. Sadly we’ve not been able to find that solution” she said "I really wanted to see him race, It’s been an emotional morning."

Germany's three-time Olympic luge gold medalist Felix Loch expressed regret at the decision.

"It's a shame that he can't fulfil his Olympic dream here," Loch told the DPA news agency.

 "But the rules are clear. Now the matter has received more attention than if he had competed normally."

Heraskevych, who has always been active in promoting his cause on social media posted a picture of him wearing the helmet with the phrase: "This is price of our dignity."

This article was originally published in German and updated after Heraskevych was formally disqualified on February 12.