“Zelensky thanked [disqualified Ukrainian Olympic skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych] for his ‘clear position,’ adding that Russia consistently violates Olympic principles, using the Games to wage its wars, including the occupation of Crimea in 2014 and the all-out invasion in 2022.” ~ @kyivindependent_official 🇺🇦👏💙💛🙏🇺🇦
#Repost @kyivindependent_official with @use.repost_ . . . President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded Vladyslav Heraskevych the Order of Freedom on Feb. 12, after the skeleton racer was disqualified from the 2026 Olympics for using a custom helmet depicting Ukrainian athletes killed during Russia’s full-scale war.
The move came days after the IOC barred Heraskevysch from using a custom helmet at the Games that depicts Ukrainian athletes killed during Russia’s full-scale war. Despite this, Heraskevych continued training in the helmet.
“This is price of our dignity,” Heraskevych wrote on X after the IOC’s announcement of his disqualification.
Zelensky thanked the athlete for his “clear position,” adding that Russia consistently violates Olympic principles, using the Games to wage its wars, including the occupation of Crimea in 2014 and the all-out invasion in 2022.
“Sport shouldn’t mean amnesia, and the Olympic movement should help stop wars, not play into the hands of aggressors,” the president said. “(The IOC’s decision) is certainly not about the principles of Olympism, which are founded on fairness and the support of peace.”
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described Heraskevych’s disqualification as a blow to the IOC’s reputation.
“Future generations will remember this as a moment of shame,” he said. “We are proud to have Vladyslav who has not betrayed (650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed by Russia).”
Photo: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
14h