Ukrainian athlete Heraskevych allowed to use black ribbon instead of "memory helmet" at Olympics

Ukrainian skeleton athlete and flag bearer Vladyslav Heraskevych can use a black armband or ribbon without personalization instead of the "helmet of memory" depicting Ukrainian athletes killed by russian aggression. It was reported by the press service of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine (NOC) on Tuesday, February 10.

The NOC of Ukraine has received an official response from the International Olympic Committee regarding Heraskevych's "memory helmet", which he wore at his first training session on the Olympic track.

"The IOC confirmed that it understands the athlete's desire to honor the memory of the fallen Ukrainian athletes. At the same time, it has banned the use of personalized equipment during the competition, as it does not comply with the guidelines of the Olympic Charter, which provide for the neutrality of equipment and the prevention of political or other messages during the competition," the statement said.

As an alternative, the athlete was offered to use a black armband or ribbons without personalization. To support the athletes, a special place of grief has also been created and access to prayer rooms in the Olympic villages has been provided.

In a commentary to Reuters, IOC spokesman Mark Adams explained that the committee understands the athlete's desire to honor the victims, but the "memory helmet" contradicts the principles of the Olympic Charter. At the same time, Adams emphasized that the IOC made an exception for Heraskevych to allow him to wear a black armband as a sign of respect. According to him, "this is a good compromise in this situation."

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, Ukrainian skeletonist Vladyslav Heraskevych faced difficulties because of his special helmet at the 2026 Olympic Games.