Ukrainian skeleton skier Vladyslav Heraskevych received a $200,000 donation after being disqualified by the IOC for wearing a helmet that commemorated athletes who died in the war with Russia.
Vladyslav Heraskevych, a Ukrainian skeleton skier, was disqualified by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) from competing at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina due to his refusal to stop wearing a helmet adorned with photographs of Ukrainian athletes who have died amid the ongoing war with Russia. His disqualification sparked significant media attention and discussions surrounding athletes' rights to express their national identity and the impact of the war on sports.
In a show of support, Rinat Akhmetov, the president of Shakhtar Donetsk Football Club, announced a $200,000 donation to Heraskevych, which is equivalent to what he would have potentially earned by winning a gold medal. This gesture was made during a meeting between the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation and Heraskevych, highlighting not only support for the athlete but also emphasizing solidarity with Ukraine in the wake of its ongoing conflict.
The funds are intended to help Heraskevych and his coaching team sustain their training efforts amidst the challenges posed by his disqualification and the broader implications of the war. This incident sheds light on the ongoing struggle faced by Ukrainian athletes striving for international recognition while navigating the political landscape shaped by their country's war with Russia.
