Skeleton racer Vladislav Heraskevych was disqualified before his first run at the Winter Olympics in Italy. The reason was the athlete's refusal to replace his ‘memorial helmet,’ which featured photos of Ukrainian athletes who died in russia's war against Ukraine. The IOC banned its use.

The athletes actively supported their colleague. ‘Remembrance is not a violation’ — this inscription was placed on her gloves by Ukrainian luger Olena Smaga during her performance at the 2026 Olympic Games. Ukrainian alpine skier Dmytro Shepyuk also displayed a glove with the inscription ‘Ukr heroes with us.’

The athletes were also supported by soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The General Staff posted a series of photos showing soldiers displaying gloves with the inscription: ‘Remembrance is not a violation.’

The Verkhovna Rada appealed to the IOC to allow Ukrainian athletes to use symbols that honour the memory of the victims of the russian federation's armed aggression.

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