On Friday, February 13, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, at its external meeting in Milan, considered the protest of the Ukrainian side against the IOC's decision to disqualify the hero skeletonist Vladyslav Geraskevych, who was removed from competing at the Olympic Games for refusing to compete without a “memory helmet”.
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After hearing the arguments of the parties, CAS rejected the Ukrainian's claim against the IOC and the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF). Arbitrator from Germany Annette Rombach recognized Vladyslav Geraskevych's desire to honor the memory of the deceased Ukrainian athletes, but was guided by the IOC Guidelines on Athlete Expression.
“These principles strike a balance between the right of athletes to express their views and the right of other athletes to have their performances given undivided attention.
The IBSF suspended Geraskevych over a helmet with images of deceased athletes, which allegedly violates the Olympic Charter and the principles of self-expression during competition.
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The arbitrator noted that the rules recognize freedom of speech as a fundamental right of athletes, but restrict it during competitions. Such restrictions are recognized as reasonable and proportionate, taking into account other opportunities to express a position – in mixed zones, at press conferences, on social networks or during training runs,” the statement said.
She also stated that “the purpose of the restrictions is to maintain the focus of the Olympic Games on sport and results, ensuring fair conditions for all athletes who have spent years preparing to participate in the Olympic Games and who deserve undivided attention for their sporting performances and achievements.”
The referee does not have the authority to overturn these rules, so Geraskevych's application is dismissed.
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At the same time, the arbitrator recognized that the deprivation of Geraskevych's accreditation was unfair, and supported the IOC's decision to reinstate it. Smart words — mean decision…
Recall that Vladyslav Geraskevych, who trained in a helmet with the image of 24 Ukrainian athletes killed by Russian occupiers, intended to compete in it, but he was banned.
By the way, in the scandal that erupted, not only Ukrainian and foreign athletes, but also politicians and musicians took Geraskevych's side. In particular, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded the 27-year-old skeleton athlete the Order of Freedom.
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In addition, domestic businessmen decided to support the national hero Geraskevych financially. In particular, monobank awarded the athlete a prize of 1 million hryvnias, and the chairman of the supervisory board of the Kharkiv football club “Metalist 1925” Volodymyr Nosov gave Vladyslav the same amount in cryptocurrency. Later, the platforms “Kyivstar TV”, “1+1 Ukraine” and OBRIO joined the action, giving the skeleton athlete 500 thousand hryvnias each.
By the way, Vladyslav Geraskevych intends to put his “memory helmet” up for auction, and donate the proceeds from the sale to the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Previously, “FACTS” reported that Vladyslav Geraskevych was entrusted with carrying the flag of Ukraine at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Olympic Games.
Photo “Community Sport”