The International Olympic Committee has kicked Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych out of the 2026 Winter Olympics over his refusal to back down from wearing a helmet honouring fellow citizens killed in the war in Ukraine.

Heraskevych’s disqualification was announced in a statement by the organising body 21 minutes before the first round of the men’s skeleton event was scheduled to start on Thursday. This followed an unsuccessful discussion between IOC president Kirsty Coventry and the athlete to find an alternative resolution.

“Skeleton pilot Vladylsav Heraskevych not allowed to participate at Milano Cortina 2026 after refusing to adhere to the IOC athlete expression guidelines. Having been given one final opportunity, skeleton pilot Vladylsav Heraskevych from Ukraine will not be able to start his race at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games this morning.

“The decision followed his refusal to comply with the IOC’s Guidelines on Athlete Expression. It was taken by the jury of the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) based on the fact that the helmet he intended to wear was not compliant with the rules,” said the statement.

Speaking further, the body noted that, by regulations, it has withdrawn the accreditation for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games from Heraskevych, which will require him to vacate the Olympic Games Village immediately.

“The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has therefore decided with regret to withdraw his accreditation for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games. Despite multiple exchanges and in-person meetings between the IOC and Mr Heraskevych, the last one this morning with IOC President Kirsty Coventry, he did not consider any form of compromise,” the IOC explained. “Mr Heraskevych was able to display his helmet in all training runs. The IOC also offered him the option of displaying it immediately after the competition when going through the mixed zone.”

Addressing journalists after his disqualification, Heraskevych, who was expected to be a medal contender, said the decision made him feel empty, adding that the deceased Ukrainians deserved a moment at the competition.

“It’s hard to say or put into words. It’s emptiness,” the 27-year-old said. “I believe they deserve this moment. Certainly, I do not get my moment at this Olympics, despite I would say pretty good results in the training runs. I really believe we could be among the medallists today and tomorrow, but we will not be able to race.”