Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych receives $200,000 gift after Olympic disqualification

Vladyslav Heraskevych received $200,000 from Rinat Akhmetov. This is the same amount of money that Ukraine gives to athletes who win a gold medal.
By Newsroom | Sports, Ukraine |

A Ukrainian skeleton racer, Vladyslav Heraskevych, has received a substantial gift of over $200,000 to support his athletic career and continued advocacy for Ukraine. This follows his disqualification from the Milan Cortina Olympics due to his insistence on wearing a helmet displaying images of Ukrainian athletes and coaches lost during the conflict with Russia. The funding aims to provide Heraskevych and his team with resources for ongoing training and to maintain his platform on the international stage.

Context of Disqualification and Support

Heraskevych's disqualification occurred because his helmet, a "helmet of memory," was deemed a violation of Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which governs political, religious, and racial propaganda. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had reportedly requested he remove the helmet, a plea he declined. He also publicly criticized the IOC for equating the ongoing war in Ukraine with other global conflicts.

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The financial gift is intended to enable Heraskevych to continue his sport and his public stance on behalf of Ukraine.

Source of the Financial Gift

The donation was made by Ukrainian businessman Rinat Akhmetov, a prominent figure known for owning the Shakhtar Donetsk football club and the Azovstal steel works in Mariupol. The funds were channeled through Akhmetov's charity foundation.

  • The amount provided is equivalent to the prize money awarded to Ukraine's Olympic gold medalists.

  • The statement from Akhmetov's foundation indicated the funds would support Heraskevych's sporting career and his role in advocating for Ukraine.

  • The money is to be channeled to Heraskevych's charity foundation to manage these resources.

Heraskevych's Stance and Advocacy

Heraskevych's decision to wear the "helmet of memory" was a deliberate act to honor and remember Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed in the conflict.

"At the same time, I want him to have enough energy and resources to continue his sporting career, as well as to fight for truth, freedom and the remembrance of those who gave their lives for Ukraine."

This statement, attributed to Akhmetov's foundation, highlights the dual purpose of the financial support: enabling athletic pursuits and facilitating Heraskevych's ongoing advocacy.

Expert Analysis

While the provided data focuses on the facts of the gift and disqualification, the situation highlights the intersection of sport, politics, and national identity. The IOC's stance on political expressions during the Games is a recurring point of discussion, with the charter aiming to maintain neutrality. Heraskevych's actions and the subsequent support he has received underscore the complex environment in which athletes operate during periods of international conflict.

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The significant financial backing suggests a strong public and private sector endorsement of Heraskevych's position and his right to express it, even when it conflicts with international sporting regulations.

Conclusion

The substantial financial contribution to Vladyslav Heraskevych demonstrates a clear commitment to supporting his athletic endeavors and his efforts to raise awareness for Ukraine. His disqualification, stemming from a symbolic act of remembrance, has paradoxically amplified his voice and attracted considerable financial backing. The situation underscores the tension between the apolitical ideals of the Olympic Games and the realities faced by athletes from nations embroiled in conflict. The funding ensures that Heraskevych can continue his sporting career and his advocacy on the global stage, independent of the Olympic platform.

  • Amount of Gift: Over $200,000

  • Recipient: Vladyslav Heraskevych (Ukrainian skeleton racer)

  • Donor: Rinat Akhmetov (via his charity foundation)

  • Reason for Gift: To support athletic career and advocacy for Ukraine.

  • Triggering Event: Disqualification from Milan Cortina Olympics for wearing a "helmet of memory."

  • Helmet Content: Images of Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed in the war.

  • Funding Equivalence: Prize money for Ukrainian Olympic gold medalists.

Sources Used:

  • Delco Times: https://www.delcotimes.com/2026/02/17/ukraine-gift/

  • Summary indicates a Ukrainian businessman donated over $200,000 to a skeleton racer disqualified from the Olympics for wearing a "helmet of memory." The money is to support his career and advocacy for Ukraine, and it is equal to what national gold medalists would receive.

  • The Independent: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/winter-olympics/ukraine-skeleton-helmet-olympics-heraskevych-shakhtar-donetsk-money-b2922234.html

  • Summary details the gift of over $200,000 from Rinat Akhmetov to a disqualified Ukrainian skeleton racer. It mentions the amount is equivalent to gold medal prizes and quotes Akhmetov's intention for Heraskevych to continue his career and fight for truth and remembrance. It also notes the IOC's stance on Rule 50 and Heraskevych's response.

  • ESPN: https://www.espn.com/olympics/story//id/47956282/ukraine-skeleton-racer-gets-200k-gift-olympic-dq

  • Summary confirms the gift of over $200,000 from Rinat Akhmetov to Vladyslav Heraskevych, given through a charity foundation. It states the funds are to ensure resources for the athlete and his staff to continue their careers and advocacy, matching gold medalist prize money. It also recounts the disqualification reason: the "helmet of memory."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Vladyslav Heraskevych disqualified from the Milan Cortina Olympics?
He wore a special helmet with pictures of Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed in the war. The Olympic committee said this broke Rule 50, which stops athletes from showing political messages during the games.
Q: Who gave the $200,000 gift to the Ukrainian skeleton racer?
The money came from Rinat Akhmetov, a businessman who owns the Shakhtar Donetsk football club. He gave the money through his charity foundation to help the athlete continue his career.
Q: How will the $200,000 help Vladyslav Heraskevych and his team?
The money will pay for training and help his team travel to international races. It also helps him keep talking about the war in Ukraine on a global stage without needing Olympic money.
Q: Is $200,000 a normal amount of money for a Ukrainian athlete to receive?
Yes, this specific amount is the same as the prize money Ukraine gives to athletes who win a gold medal. It shows that his country supports his actions even though he was disqualified from the race.
Q: What was the helmet of memory that caused the problem at the Olympics?
It was a racing helmet that showed images of people from the sports world who died during the conflict with Russia. Heraskevych refused to take it off because he wanted to honor those people.