Olympic Rookie Smaha Expresses Disappointment with Performance and Support for Heraskevych

Olena Smaha's Debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics

According to НОК: Ukrainian athlete Olena Smaha made her first appearance at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Following her competition, she shared her frustration with her own performance and voiced strong disagreement with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision regarding Vladyslav Heraskevych's 'Memory Helmet'. During the event, Smaha made a gesture of support, coordinating the message on her glove with her coach.

Smaha's Reflections and Stance

In comments to Ukraine's National Olympic Committee press service, Olena Smaha admitted she failed to deliver the performance she had hoped for, stating bluntly:

"I am disappointed by this."

The athlete also took a firm position on the IOC's ruling, declaring:

"I completely disagree with the International Olympic Committee's decision on Vladyslav Heraskevych's 'Memory Helmet'. I do not support it at all."

Her supportive gesture during the competition held deep personal significance. "So with my gesture, I wanted to support Vladyslav," Smaha explained. "I discussed my idea with my coach so he was aware, and we agreed on the text for my glove together. I wanted to show the world that no one can forbid memory, and we will remember regardless."

Smaha also shared her impressions of her debut Games, emphasizing it was a true celebration of sport. "It's a very friendly atmosphere, with athletes from different countries, and everything is well organized. Although there were some initial difficulties with transportation and it was cold in the accommodations, we managed everything. Overall, it's wonderful, and I really like it here," she added.

Olena Smaha's Olympic participation underscores how sport serves as a platform for expressing support and commemorating the fallen. Her gesture for Vladyslav Heraskevych can be seen as an act of solidarity at a time when global sporting events often become arenas for social and political statements. Her debut Olympics, despite the disappointment in her results, also provided an opportunity to experience the spirit of international cooperation and unity among athletes. The context of Heraskevych's helmet, which carried a message of peace, has been a point of contention between Ukrainian athletes and the IOC throughout these Games.