Ukrainian Heraskevich received 200,000 after being disqualified from the Olympics

Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladislav Heraskevich, who was disqualified from the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, received a financial gift exceeding $200,000. The support was provided by businessman Rinat Akhmetov through his foundation, according to The Morning Sun website.

The amount corresponds to the reward for an Olympic gold medal and is intended to enable the athlete to continue his career despite his public stance on the war in Ukraine.

Heraskevych was expelled from the Games after refusing to stop wearing a helmet with photos of Ukrainian athletes and coaches who died during the war with Russia. Akhmetov called his gesture courageous and emphasized that he is returning home as a moral victor.

The funds will go to Heraskevych's foundation, which is intended to ensure conditions for further training and representation of Ukraine.

(mja)