IOC allows Geraskevich to wear a black armband as an alternative to a "memory helmet"

On Tuesday, February 10, the International Olympic Committee ruled that Ukrainian Vladislav Geraskevich cannot wear his "memory helmet" in skeleton competitions, but can use a black armband. This was reported by the agency Reuters.

the 27-year-old athlete, who displayed a "No to War in Ukraine" poster at the 2022 Beijing Games a few days before Russia's full-scale invasion, trained in Italy wearing a headdress with images of Ukrainian athletes killed by Russian aggression.

The IOC said that the Ukrainian wore a helmet during training and expressed his views on social media, but cannot do so after the competition starts on Thursday to prevent political motivation on sports grounds.

"We have tried to treat his request with compassion. The IOC fully understands the athletes' desire to honor the memory of their friends who have died in this conflict," IOC spokesman Mark Adams said at a briefing.

Rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter states that no questions about demonstrations, political, religious or racial issues may be raised on sports grounds or podiums, although athletes are free to express their opinions elsewhere.

"This helmet is against the rules, but we will make an exception to allow him to wear a black armband during this competition to commemorate... We think it's a good compromise in this situation," Adams added.

Geraskevich was unhappy that the request of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine was rejected.

"This is an unfair treatment. I don't see any violation of Rule 50. This is not discrimination propaganda, this is not political propaganda," the athlete explained.

• On February 9, 2026, Geraskevich reported that one of the IOC officials prohibits the use of a helmet with the image of athletes killed as a result of Russian aggression. Zelensky thanked the Ukrainian for "reminding the world of the cost of our struggle."
• NOC of Ukraine appeals to the IOC to allow Ukrainian skeleton athlete Geraskevich to participate in the compete at the Olympic Games in this helmet.