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Akhmetov Donates $200,000 to Barred Ukrainian Skeleton Racer Heraskevych

Akhmetov matched Ukraine's gold‑medal payout by routing the money to the athlete's charity to fund training and advocacy.

Overview

  • Heraskevych was excluded from Milano‑Cortina 2026 after refusing to remove a memorial helmet bearing images of Ukrainian athletes and coaches killed in the war with Russia.
  • The Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed his appeal against the IBSF and IOC, noting sympathy for his commemoration but an obligation to apply Olympic rules.
  • The $200,000 donation equals Ukraine's cash prize for Olympic gold and will be paid to Heraskevych's charitable foundation.
  • The funds are intended to ensure resources for his sporting career and his public advocacy for Ukraine on the international stage.
  • Ukraine's government said it will award Heraskevych the Order of Freedom in recognition of civic courage and patriotism.