Winter Olympics athlete receives $200,000 donation after being disqualified over 'helmet of memory'
Skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was banned from competing by the IOC
A Ukrainian skeleton racer disqualified from the 2026 Winter Olympics has been gifted the equivalent of prize money given to Olympic gold medalists.
Moments before Vladyslav Heraskevych was set to compete in the skeleton race on February 12 at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the 27-year-old was barred from racing.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) detailed its reason for rescinding the athlete's accreditation as being a result of the 'helmet of memory' he planned to wear while competing.
The helmet shows images of 24 athletes and children who have died as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
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The IOC banned Heraskevych from wearing the helmet days prior to the race, however, the Ukrainian racer resolved he would 'not betray these athletes,' continuing to wear the helmet throughout practice.
When it came to the day of the event, the IOC prevented Heraskevych from taking part, ruling the helmet did not comply with its 'Guidelines on Athlete Expression'.
While Heraskevych later spoke out, stating 'the sacrifice of the people depicted on the helmet means more than any medal ever could,' the athlete has since found himself in receipt of a staggering $200,000 donation.
The donation is reported as having been made by Ukrainian billionaire and businessman, Rinat Akhmetov.
Dubbed the richest man in Ukraine, as per Forbes, Akhmetov is the owner and president of the Ukrainian football club FC Shakhtar Donetsk.
Akhmetov said in a statement, as quoted by The Independent: "Vlad Heraskevych was denied the opportunity to compete for victory at the Olympic Games, yet he returns to Ukraine a true winner.
"The respect and pride he has earned among Ukrainians through his actions are the highest reward."
The businessman noted 'at the same time' he wanted the athlete 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'.
It follows the IOC releasing a statement insisting it was 'very keen for Mr Heraskevych to compete' but after sitting him down 'to look for the most respectful way to address his desire to remember his fellow athletes who have lost their lives following Russia's invasion of Ukraine,' they were unable to come to a compromise.
"The essence of this case is not about the message, it is about where he wanted to express it," the IOC added.
A statement on behalf of Akhmetov's foundation added the money is expected to be paid to Heraskevych's own foundation.
Its purpose is to help 'to ensure the athlete and his coaching staff have the necessary resources to continue their sporting career and their advocacy for Ukraine on the international stage'.
Poppy Bilderbeck