Skeleton athlete Vladislav Geraskevich held a press conference in Cortina d'Ampezzo, announcing his intention to compete in the "Helmet of Memory," which features images of fallen Ukrainian athletes, despite the IOC's ban.
The IOC prohibited the use of the "Helmet of Memory" and suggested a compromise - to start wearing a black armband. According to Suspilne Sport, Geraskevich responded to this "compromise," stating that there aren't enough black armbands to honor all the fallen athletes.
"I believe the IOC doesn’t have enough black armbands for the number of athletes who died due to this war. The helmet shows 24 people. However, over 500 athletes have been killed. Thanks to their sacrifice, we can compete here - not just me, but the entire Ukrainian team. If it weren't for their sacrifice, the war could have reached Europe. They deserve to be here with me today and deserve to be with me on the competition day," said the Ukrainian athlete.
Vladislav also confirmed his intention to compete in the "Helmet of Memory" until the end of the Olympic Games - during both training runs and official competition days.
"If the IOC betrays these athletes, I will not betray them, - said Geraskevich. - The plan is to use (the helmet. - Ed.) in all training sessions. I used it on February 8, yesterday and today. I will use it tomorrow and on the race day. I disagree with the IOC's decision. I believe we haven't broken any rules. All these athletes (depicted on the helmet. - Ed.) were killed, but their voices are so loud that they can be heard."
Vladislav emphasized that he does not aim to publicly confront the International Olympic Committee. He also cited examples of political statements that have already been made at the 2026 Olympic Games in Italy.
"We were told all athletes should have equal rights. But at these Olympics, there were plenty of political statements from American athletes, even in sports arenas; the Russian flag on the helmet of one athlete (Italian snowboarder Roland Fischnaller). They faced no sanctions. So if I have equal rights, it should be the same. If many conflicts in the world are mentioned in press conferences, and we show this - the price of freedom. This is the symbol of the Olympic movement. I don't want to fight with the IOC. I truly love my sport and want people to engage in sports without wars in their countries," - the athlete emphasized.
Before the start of the men's skeleton events at the 2026 Olympics, there remains one official training session on Wednesday, February 11. The following day, February 12, the first two runs for men will take place, with two more scheduled for Friday, February 13.
