Vladyslav Heraskevych, a Ukrainian skeleton athlete, faced exclusion from the Milan Cortina Games due to his decision to wear a helmet honoring victims of Russia's invasion. Speaking at the United Nations during the Change the World Model United Nations event, he expressed his conviction that the essence of sports transcends medals, emphasizing the values they represent.

• Heraskevych stated, "I think it’s important that we use this stage and talk about important things."
• He highlighted the power of sport to inspire hope, saying, “We can save lives with sport.”

The International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation deemed his helmet choice inconsistent with the Olympic Charter, leading to his ban. Despite this setback, he wore the helmet during training, and the International Olympic Committee suggested alternatives, such as a black armband in remembrance.

During the U.N. session, the names of athletes commemorated on Heraskevych's helmet were read aloud, earning a significant ovation from the audience.

Although his Olympic season ended prematurely, Heraskevych plans to compete in upcoming World Cup races and aims for the 2030 Olympics. The invitation to speak at the U.N. was unexpected, as he noted, "It wasn’t part of my bucket list."

He and his father are now leading a foundation in Ukraine, focusing on providing essential resources like generators amid ongoing power challenges. Heraskevych seeks to honor those athletes represented on his helmet while utilizing his background in physics to tackle issues stemming from the war.

Wearing a vyshyvanka, a traditional Ukrainian shirt, he aims to raise awareness for Ukrainian culture and cuisine globally. He firmly believes in his choice to wear the helmet, stating, "I believe I had the full right to wear this helmet... It's not right to betray them."

In reflecting on his decision, he expressed no regret despite the Olympic ban, affirming the importance of his principles and the memory of those who sacrificed their lives.