Developer returns Olympic silver medal to speed skater Władimir Semirunnij after charity auction

Return of the Olympic silver medal

Polish speed skater Władimir Semirunnij received his Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic silver medal back during a press briefing in Mysiadło near Warsaw on Saturday. Semirunnij won the medal in the 10,000-metre event in February before donating it to a charity auction. Real estate developer Profbud bought the medal at auction for 46,750 PLN and decided to return it to the athlete. Company representatives maintained from the beginning of the auction that the prize belonged with the skater who trained for years to achieve it.

Fundraiser for Cancer Fighters

Semirunnij donated his medal during the night of 25 to 26 April 2026 during a charity livestream hosted by influencer Łatwogang. The broadcast raised funds for the Cancer Fighters Foundation to support children with oncological illnesses. During the stream, at approximately 03:30, the skater offered his medal for auction and shaved his head in solidarity with paediatric cancer patients. Semirunnij explained that the donation served as a way to give back for the support he had received in Poland.

Semirunnij expressed his gratitude during the handover ceremony in Mysiadło.

“When I handed over the medal for the auction, I did not wonder whether it would ever return to me. The most important thing was helping children suffering from oncological diseases. I knew that I was giving away something very important, but at the same time I felt that this gesture could give the medal even greater value. I am deeply moved that this trophy is returning to me today. Now it reminds me not only of sports success, but also of solidarity and good that can unite people.”

Ceremony at City of Polish Olympic Champions

The official handover occurred at the construction site of the City of Polish Olympic Champions on Olimpijska Street in Mysiadło. Olympic champions Magdalena Fularczyk-Kozłowska, Dawid Tomala, and Zbigniew Bródka attended the event alongside Semirunnij. During the gathering, Semirunnij left his handprint, which will be cast in bronze for the planned Avenue of Sports Champions. The handover coincided with the weekend Summer Olympic Zone event, where visitors tested sports simulators, including a speed skating simulator previously used at the Dutch House during the Milan Winter Games. Attendees also took part in rowing, shooting, 3x3 basketball, virtual reality zones, and reaction-testing stations.

Future plans and family reactions

Semirunnij noted that the medal will travel to his family before joining the rest of his collection. His mother asked to hold the award in person before he makes any final decision about keeping or gifting it to his parents. The skater keeps his trophies in his training room rather than setting up a dedicated display cabinet. Semirunnij stated that his immediate focus is on training for future competitions and securing additional medals in upcoming international events.