The Ukrainian unified heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk publicly defended Serhiy Bubka, responding to recent statements by skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevich, who called for the IOC member to be stripped of the Hero of Ukraine title.
Heraskevich recently found himself in the spotlight after being disqualified at the Winter Olympics in Italy. The reason for the suspension was the use of a memorial helmet—an equipment element dedicated to the victims of the war in Ukraine, which was deemed a violation of the International Olympic Committee's rules.
Speaking on February 26 in Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada, Heraskevich sharply criticized Bubka, accusing him of systematically harming the country's interests.
According to the athlete, Bubka, as the head of the International Masters Games Association (IMGA) and an IOC member, allows Russian athletes to compete under the national flag, despite ongoing military actions.
Heraskevich stated that such actions are tantamount to playing into Russia's hands and trading with occupiers, especially in a context where the Hero of Ukraine title is often awarded posthumously to war heroes.
He emphasized that Bubka does not deserve this award and called on parliamentarians to impose sanctions against him to protect national interests in sports.
In response to these statements, Usyk shared a photo with Bubka and expressed admiration for his career.
"In this photo, I am with Serhiy Nazarovych Bubka, one of the greatest track and field athletes in history, a true legend of pole vaulting and a world record holder. I am sincerely glad to be acquainted with this outstanding person," wrote the boxer.
Usyk reminded about Bubka's impressive achievements, including 35 world records and surpassing the 6-meter mark:
"More than ten years of absolute dominance in world athletics. It's incredible!" he concluded.
