Disqualified skeletonist Heraskevych urges parlament to strip Bubka of Hero of Ukraine title
Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych, who was disqualified from the 2026 Winter Olympics over his “helmet of memory,” addressed Ukraine’s parliament on Thursday, calling for the revocation of Olympic official Sergey Bubka’s Hero of Ukraine title, as evidenced by the broadcast of the Verkhovna Rada.
Heraskevych brought the helmet — featuring images of Ukrainian athletes killed in Russia’s war — that led to his disqualification by the International Olympic Committee. He was greeted with a standing ovation from lawmakers.
The athlete began by urging national unity, saying a united Ukraine draws stronger global support. He then sharply criticized Bubka, Ukraine’s representative on the IOC, stating it was “shameful” that he holds the Hero of Ukraine title.
“Sergey Bubka systematically harms Ukraine by allowing Russian flags in organizations he leads. He effectively plays into Russia’s hands,” Heraskevych said. “When someone with the Hero of Ukraine title — now most often awarded posthumously — behaves this way, it is unacceptable. We must fight this. I call on you to support imposing sanctions on him and stripping him of this award.”
"Helmet of memory" and the disqualification of Heraskevych
Heraskevych designed the helmet to honor Ukrainian athletes killed in the war — some in combat, others in Russian airstrikes.
The IOC banned its use during competition and official training at the Milan-Cortina Games, offering instead a plain black armband or ribbon.
After failed negotiations, the IOC disqualified him on February 12 before his first run.
Heraskevych appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport under an expedited procedure, but CAS rejected the claim.
The incident drew support from many Ukrainians, fellow athletes, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Armed Forces commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.