IOC bars Ukrainian Vladyslav Heraskevych from wearing 'helmet of remembrance'

The International Olympic Committee said it will not allow Vladyslav Heraskevych to wear a helmet showing images of Ukrainians killed in the war during the skeleton competition; the IOC offered a plain black armband as an alternative.

The International Olympic Committee announced that Vladyslav Heraskevych will not be permitted to wear a "helmet of remembrance" during the skeleton competition at the Winter Games. The helmet was created to honour Ukrainian athletes killed in the war with Russia and had been worn by Heraskevych in training. Ukraine's National Olympic Committee had requested permission for him to use the helmet in competition. The IOC said the helmet contravenes its guidelines but offered a plain black armband as an exception. Key details: - The IOC stated the helmet contravenes Olympic guidelines and will not be allowed in competition. - The helmet contains images meant to honour Ukrainian athletes killed since Russia's full invasion in 2022 and had been used during training sessions. - IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said the committee understands the desire to remember those lost but has allowed a plain black armband as an alternative. - More training was scheduled ahead of competition, which is reported to begin on Thursday. Summary: The IOC's decision prevents the helmet from being used during competition while permitting a plain black armband instead. Heraskevych remains scheduled to continue training and to compete on the announced date.