In Munich, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met with Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych and his father, coach Mykhailo Heraskevych. Earlier, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had disqualified Vladyslav because of a helmet depicting 22 Ukrainian athletes killed by the Russian war.
The athlete wanted to compete wearing the helmet as a tribute and in memory of all those who can no longer participate in sports due to Russian aggression.
“Most importantly, the whole world is now talking about these athletes. Even in death, they are drawing attention to Ukraine,” Heraskevych said.
Political leaders and Hollywood stars support the heroism of the Ukrainian athlete
Heraskevych has been supported not only by Ukrainians but also by international political leaders and celebrities, including American director Quentin Tarantino and actor Ben Stiller.
Zelenskyy has awarded the athlete the Order of Freedom and thanked him for his principled stance.
“Remembrance is not violation”: Ukrainian soldiers respond to IOC ban of portraits of killed Ukrainian athletes on athlete’s helmet
“With great honor to you and, of course, to all our Olympians who supported you, supported your position. Medals are important for Ukraine and for you, but I think the main thing is who you are,” the president said.
Most importantly, he stated, that Ukraine is not trying to break the rules or act like barbarians.
"We will continue anyway, despite everything, to fight for our rights,” the athlete added.
Heroes who unite the world
Mykhailo Heraskevych emphasized that the support for his son’s action came not only from Ukrainians but also from friends of Ukraine in other countries.
“Most importantly, now the whole world is talking about these athletes. They unite people around Ukraine,” the coach said.
This gesture became a symbol of solidarity and international attention to Ukraine, and the memory helmet continues to remind the world of the fallen athletes and the price the country pays in the fight against the aggressor.
