sports
February 10, 2026
Ukraine racer defies IOC ban by wearing ‘helmet of memory’ as anger grows
Luger shares ‘remembrance is not a violation’ message
TL;DR
- Ukrainian athletes are defying IOC rules against political statements and protests.
- Skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych is continuing to use a 'helmet of memory' that depicts fallen Ukrainian athletes.
- The Ukrainian team has appealed the IOC's decision to ban the helmet, arguing it does not violate Article 50 of the Olympic Charter.
- Luge athlete Olena Smaha displayed "remembrance is not a violation" on her glove.
- Heraskevych has accused the IOC of betraying dead Ukrainian athletes by banning the helmet.
- IOC spokesperson Mark Adams stated that the committee would allow Heraskevych to wear a black armband as a compromise.
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