Geraskevich's "memory helmet" meets safety requirements and rules – NOC

the "memory helmet" of Vladislav Geraskevich, a participant in the 2026 Winter Olympics, fully complies with the safety requirements and rules of the International Olympic Committee. About reported National Olympic Committee of Ukraine.

The NOC of Ukraine appealed to the IOC to allow Ukrainian skeleton racer and flag bearer Geraskevich to compete at the XXV Winter Olympics wearing a special helmet with photos of athletes killed by Russia.

The helmet was created to honor Ukrainian athletes who died defending Ukraine or became victims of Russian aggression.

"The NOC of Ukraine emphasizes that it [the helmet] fully complies with the safety requirements and rules of the IOC, does not contain advertising, political slogans or discriminatory elements and has been confirmed as compliant during official training," the statement said.

The NOC expressed hope for a fair, objective and impartial decision by the IOC. They added that the permission to compete in the "helmet of memory" is an important sign of recognition of the memory of Ukrainian athletes and support for the Ukrainian nation against the backdrop of Russian armed aggression.

• On February 9, 2026, Geraskevich reported that one of the IOC officials prohibits the use of helmets with the image of athletes killed as a result of Russian aggression. Zelensky thanked the Ukrainian for "reminding the world of the price of our struggle."
• The 2026 Winter Olympics started on February 6 and will last until February 22. The host cities are the alpine resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo and Milan, but the competition will take place and other locations in northern Italy.