Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was disqualified from competition last week because he insisted upon wearing a commemorative helmet, which honors more than 20 athletes and coaches from Ukraine who died during Russia’s invasion, and then saw his appeal to gain reinstatement denied.
Despite the International Olympic Committee’s controversial decision, he’s been revered by his nation.
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And on Tuesday, according to The Associated Press, Heraskevych, 27, received a gift of at least $200,000 to help him continue his skeleton career and keep advocating for his home country.
That generous lump sum reportedly came from Ukrainian businessman Rinat Akhmetov, who pulled from his charity foundation to make a contribution that is equal to what Ukraine’s gold medalists earn.
“Vlad Heraskevych was denied the opportunity to compete for victory at the Olympic Games, yet he returns to Ukraine a true winner,” said Akhmetov in a statement, per the AP. “The respect and pride he has earned among Ukrainians through his actions are the highest reward.”
Vladyslav Heraskevych refused to wear another helmet during this year’s Games. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Akhmetov, the owner of the Shakhtar Donetsk soccer club — which consistently plays in the Champions League — and the Azovstal steel works in Mariupol, added: “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.”
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The money will be paid to Heraskevych’s charity foundation, according to the AP.
While Heraskevych filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport over his disqualification last week, arguing that his ban was “disproportionate” and not one driven by a technical or safety violation, his Olympics came to a premature end.
“The Sole Arbitrator, whilst fully sympathetic to Mr. Heraskevych’s commemoration, is bound by rules in the IOC Athlete Expression Guidelines,” CAS wrote in a statement.
“The Sole Arbitrator considers these Guidelines provide a reasonable balance between athletes’ interests to express their views, and athletes’ interests to receive undivided attention for their sporting performance on the field of play.”
Heraskevych made headlines by wearing the helmet during a training run last Monday. The IOC informed his coach and Ukrainian officials that the helmet violates article 50.2 of the Olympic Charter, which states that “no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas.”
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The IOC provided Heraskevych the option to wear a black armband or black ribbon instead, and IOC president Kirsty Coventry met with him in-person in attempt to find a solution. Coventry later emphasized to reporters that Heraskevych was disqualified for competing with the helmet, not for his message in general.
“The IOC was very keen for Mr. Heraskevych to compete,” it said this past Thursday in a statement. “This is why the IOC sat down with him 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.”
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