Main points
- The International Olympic Committee disqualified Vladislav Geraskevych because of the “memory helmet”.
- Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion “Knights of the Steppe” recorded a video in support of Geraskevych, emphasizing the unity of Ukrainian athletes and the people.
The military recorded a video in support of Geraskevych / Collage of Channel 24, photo Getty Images
The International Olympic Committee disqualified Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladislav Geraskevych for a “memory helmet.” In return, the athlete received overwhelming support.
In particular, the military supported Geraskevych. The 2nd Battalion “Knights of the Steppe” of the 122nd Brigade published a corresponding video.
How did the military support Geraskevych?
The military recorded a video in support of Vladyslav Geraskevych.
Should we take off our helmets too? Defense is not a “violation”. Support Geraskevych! Stand shoulder to shoulder with us. Be with Ukraine!
– the soldiers called.
They emphasized that Ukrainian athletes, soldiers, and the people of Ukraine are one.
“Knights of the Steppe” supported Vladyslav Geraskevych: watch the video
“Wherever we fight: in the Olympic arena or on the battlefield, we fight for truth and for freedom,” the battalion noted.
The warriors appealed to the West to unite around Ukraine and Ukrainians and help defeat the evil that threatens the entire world.
Geraskevych's disqualification: what is known
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The IOC decided to disqualify Geraskevych on February 12. The skeleton athlete immediately appealed this to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
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But the decision remained unchanged. The “memory helmet” was deemed by the IBSF and the IOC “not in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the Guidelines on the Expression of Views by Athletes.”
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Sports lawyer Yevgeny Pronin noted that this case sets a precedent for how sports bodies can interpret freedom of expression at the Olympic Games compared to the IOC's internal rules.