“Third Ukrainian Athlete Barred from Wearing Remembrance Helmet at Olympics”
Oleh Handei, a Ukrainian short track speed skater, recently announced that he will not wear a custom helmet adorned with Ukrainian poetry at the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan. This decision marks Handei as the third Ukrainian Olympian facing a similar restriction, following a chair from the International Skating Union (ISU). The ban has raised questions about the politicization of sports in the Olympics.
Details of the Helmet Ban
The ISU informed Handei of the prohibition shortly before the Winter Olympics. The reason cited was the presence of an inscription deemed a “political slogan.” Handei’s helmet features a line by renowned Ukrainian poet Lina Kostenko: “Where there is heroism, there is no final defeat.”
Reaction from Handei
In response to the ban, Handei contended that the words are motivational and not political. “I tried to argue — they made it clear to me that it was better not to do so,” he explained.
Other Ukrainians Affected
Two other Ukrainian athletes have similarly encountered issues regarding their helmets. Kateryna Kotsar, a freestyle skier, had her helmet banned for displaying the phrase “Be Brave like Ukrainians.” Additionally, skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was prohibited from wearing a helmet honoring athletes who lost their lives in the ongoing conflict.
International Olympic Committee’s Stance
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) insists that such bans uphold the Olympic Charter, which prohibits the politicization of sports. Yet, athletes and supporters have criticized this policy. Heraskevych highlighted a double standard, citing an Israeli counterpart who wore a kippah honoring victims of the 1972 Munich Olympics.
- Oleh Handei – Ukrainian speed skater, banned from wearing a helmet with poetry.
- Kateryna Kotsar – Freestyle skier with helmet banned for saying “Be Brave like Ukrainians.”
- Vladyslav Heraskevych – Skeleton racer prohibited from a memorial helmet.
Support from the Ukrainian Community
Support for the athletes has emerged from various quarters, including Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander in chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, who emphasized that remembrance should not be viewed as a violation of regulations.
Context of the Conflict
The ongoing war has had a devastating impact on Ukrainian athletes, with countless losses reported. Ukrainian sports facilities have been destroyed by Russian missile attacks. Although Russian and Belarusian national teams are banned, individual athletes from these countries are competing under a “neutral” flag, which has sparked further debate about fairness in competition.
Conclusion
Hanadi and his peers continue to fight for their expressions as athletes. “I hope he doesn’t change his position,” Handei said, expressing solidarity with Heraskevych. “As long as we fight, we can win.” The dialogue surrounding these helmet bans emphasizes the intersection of sports and national identity in times of conflict.
