Vladyslav Heraskevych will not compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics after the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld his disqualification tied to a helmet tribute honoring Ukrainian athletes killed in the war with Russia.
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Heraskevych had hoped to race in Milan wearing a helmet featuring images of more than 20 Ukrainian athletes and coaches who died during the conflict. The International Olympic Committee ruled the design violated Rule 50, which prohibits political demonstrations or propaganda at Olympic venues.
After he was disqualified, Heraskevych appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. On Friday, the court denied that appeal, siding with the IOC and determining the restriction was "reasonable and proportionate."
The ruling noted that athletes still have other avenues to express themselves, including in press conferences, mixed zones and on social media.
The IOC had offered Heraskevych the option of wearing a black armband instead. He declined.
Following the decision, the 25-year-old appeared resigned, saying, "Looks like this train has left." He also reiterated his belief that the IOC is on the "wrong side of history."
The sole arbitrator added that she was sympathetic to Heraskevych's intent, even while concluding the rules had to be enforced as written.
