sports

February 19, 2026

Ukrainian disqualified from Winter Olympics for controversial helmet receives over $200,000 from compatriot

Ukrainian Vladislav Heraskevič, disqualified from the skeleton competition at the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina for wearing a prohibited helmet, received over $200,000 as a gift to help him continue competing and represent his country.

Ukrainian disqualified from Winter Olympics for controversial helmet receives over $200,000 from compatriot

TL;DR

  • Vladislav Heraskevič, a Ukrainian skeleton athlete, was disqualified from the Winter Olympics for wearing a prohibited helmet.
  • The helmet featured the faces of over 20 Ukrainian athletes and coaches who died during the war with Russia.
  • Ukrainian billionaire Rinat Akhmetov donated over $200,000 to Heraskevič through his charitable foundation.
  • The donation aims to help Heraskevič continue his sports career and represent Ukraine internationally.
  • The amount is equivalent to the prize money for a gold medal at the Olympics.

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