Ukraine’s Olympic Committee Breaks Silence on Controversial Suspension of Skeleton Athlete Heraskevych

Oleksii Perevezentsev Speaks Out on Vladyslav Heraskevych’s Olympic Ban

According to Главком: In an exclusive interview, Oleksii Perevezentsev, First Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine (NOC), addressed the suspension of Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych from the Olympic Games. He stated that Heraskevych’s protest action was not coordinated with the NOC and suggested that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) may view it as a premeditated move by Ukraine.

Heraskevych was disqualified from the 2026 Olympics, where he was set to serve as Ukraine’s flagbearer. The IOC barred him from competing after he wore a helmet depicting Ukrainian athletes killed by Russian occupiers, disqualifying him just before his first run. Perevezentsev stressed that the NOC was not consulted about the action and expressed concern over how the international community might interpret it.

“I suspect the IOC still believes Vladyslav’s act was fully coordinated with the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine. But we only found out when it became public-it was never discussed or agreed upon with anyone at the NOC,” said Oleksii Perevezentsev.

He also emphasized that Heraskevych was chosen as flagbearer based on his achievements: this was his third Olympic appearance, and in the pre-Olympic season, he placed fourth at the world championships-the best individual result for any Ukrainian in winter Olympic sports.

“When we decided Heraskevych would be the flagbearer, we obviously had no idea he was planning this kind of civic statement,” Perevezentsev added.

The Fallout from the Suspension

He further speculated that the IOC might see the incident as a deliberate provocation by Ukraine aimed at disrupting the Olympic atmosphere. “I’m saying this not as an NOC official, but based on my personal communications with the IOC. They haven’t said it outright, but that’s the impression I get,” he concluded.

Vladyslav Heraskevych’s suspension has sparked widespread debate within the sports community and media. This situation highlights the delicate balance between sports organizations and the political realities in Ukraine, raising questions about how such acts may affect the country’s international image. The unfolding events could have significant repercussions for Ukrainian sports and its participation in future Olympic Games.