Across Australia, Ukrainian community members – supported by the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations – stand in solidarity with Ukrainians and supporters worldwide, calling on the International Olympic Committee to reverse the disqualification of Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych for his act of remembrance.
Vladyslav was disqualified from the 2026 Winter Olympics for wearing his “helmet of memory”, honouring Ukrainian athletes and children killed by russia’s war against Ukraine.
Since russia’s full-scale invasion, more than 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches have been killed due to russian aggression.
This was not a political statement. It was an act of memory, dignity and respect.
The decision has sparked global outrage and support — from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to international athletes, teams, the Ukrainian World Congress – Свiтовий Конґрес Українців and leaders worldwide.
Join the call: post, share and stand with Ukrainian athletes.
Thank you to Association of Ukrainians in Victoria, Association of Ukrainians in SA, Ukrainian Community of Queensland Inc., Ukrainian Council of NSW – ОУГ НПВ, Ukrainian Association Western Australia, Ukrainians in Geelong – Українці в Джілонґу
#StandWithUkraine #HelmetOfMemory #2026WinterOlympics #SportAndValues #RememberTheFallen #RussiaIsATerroristState
