Ukrainian Skeleton Athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych Receives Order of Liberty from President Zelenskyy.

Vladyslav Heraskevych Honored with State Award

According to UATV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded the Order of Liberty to national skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych. The presidential decree, numbered 119/2026, was issued on February 12, 2023, recognizing Heraskevych's significant contributions to Ukrainian sports as a member of the country's Olympic team. The Order of Liberty is one of Ukraine's highest state honors.

Presidential Citation

In his official statement, President Zelenskyy highlighted the athlete's merits, declaring:

'For selfless service to the Ukrainian people, civic courage, and patriotism in upholding the ideals of freedom and democratic values, I hereby decree: to award the Order of Liberty to Vladyslav Mykhailovych Heraskevych, a member of the National Olympic Team of Ukraine, skeleton athlete.'

Notably, Heraskevych was disqualified just before his first Olympic run, yet his dedication and patriotism have now been formally acknowledged at the state level. This award serves as a testament to his impact on Ukrainian sports and his support for national values. The recognition underscores how Ukrainian athletes often represent their country's resilience beyond the sporting arena.

The conferral of the Order of Liberty upon Vladyslav Heraskevych marks a significant event that highlights the importance of supporting athletes during Ukraine's challenging political circumstances. It demonstrates official recognition of their efforts in shaping the country's international sporting image. Crucially, this presidential honor celebrates not only athletic achievement but also the patriotism and civic stance of a sportsman during a difficult period for the nation.