It is reported that at a meeting with the participation of Geraskevich, representatives of the IOC and NOC of Ukraine, the situation surrounding the performance of the Ukrainian athlete in the “memory helmet” was discussed.
“Representatives of the IOC note the impossibility of using this helmet during official races, at the same time they offer the possibility of honoring the memory of deceased athletes by using a black ribbon during competitions. At the same time, the “memory helmet” was proposed to be demonstrated before the start and after the completion of the race, as well as during communication with the media in the mix zone,” the NOC of Ukraine said.
They noted that Geraskevich did not agree to the voiced proposals of IOC representatives and emphasized that he was ready to compete at competitions exclusively in a “memory helmet.”
“The National Olympic Committee of Ukraine and the national team of Ukraine fully support the position of Vladislav Geraskevich and respect his conscious and principled choice,” the statement says.
The NOC indicated that they will continue to consistently defend the right of Ukrainian athletes to “decently honor the memory of deceased athletes and represent Ukraine in the international arena, adhering to Olympic values and principles.”
Context
On February 9, Geraskevich announced that he plans to perform at the 2026 Olympics in a helmet depicting athletes killed during the full-scale war of the aggressor country of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. Before the start of the competition, IOC representatives approached him “due to potential protests at the Games themselves.”
The next day, the skeleton player said that the IOC does not allow him to compete in a “memory helmet.” Geraskevich noted that the day before the Italian athlete competed in a helmet with the Russian flag on it, and “there was no reaction.”
On February 10, the NOC of Ukraine called on the IOC to allow Geraskevich to compete at the Olympics in Italy wearing a helmet with the image of Ukrainian athletes killed by the Russians.
Instead of wearing a “helmet of remembrance,” the IOC allowed the Ukrainian skeleton athlete to wear a black mourning armband during the competition, calling it a compromise. Geraskevich called the decision unfair, saying that honoring the memory of the dead is not political propaganda. Despite the ban, he went to training wearing a “memory helmet”.
In addition to Geraskevich, two more Ukrainians were banned from speaking in a helmet, allegedly “with propaganda” and “political slogans”.
The 2026 Olympic Games will last until February 22, Geraskevich's performances are scheduled for February 12.
13 Russians have been admitted to the 2026 Winter Olympics and will compete in neutral status.
Ukraine will be represented at the Olympics in Italy by 46 athletes in 11 sports.
