The Belarusian athlete Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, who applied for asylum in Poland during her participation in the Tokyo Olympics 2020, this Wednesday reported that in June acquired Polish citizenship.
The information was disseminated by Tsimanouskaya herself, through her social networks, in a message in which she said that she was ready to “give one hundred percent” of her potential and recalled: “Even if I end up on the podium as a Pole, let everyone know that the medals will go to all Belarusians and to our freedom“.
In the photo accompanying his statement, the sprinter showed the document proving his new nationality dated June 28 and ended his text with: “Long live Belarus! Thank you, Poland!”.
About a year ago, the 25-year-old athlete became a symbol of democratic dissidence in his country by defying the authorities of his native Belarus when he walked out midway through the Olympic Games.
On that occasion, the 400 meter sprint specialist explained that he feared for his life after receiving political pressure and threats for refusing to participate in events he was not trained for.
The athlete lived with Arseny Zdanevich, her coach and husband, in Polandwhere he obtained the sponsorship of an important sports club and plans to open a gym where he can train compatriots who, like him, have decided to go into exile.
During her stay in Poland, the girl categorically refused to engage in political statements or actions and emphasized that her only interest was to continue her sports career and try to help other Belarusian athletes who decided to follow her footsteps.
Tsimanouskaya cannot yet represent Poland in international competitions because she has not yet obtained the necessary approval from the World Athletics Federation, but three years after her legal residence in this country she will automatically obtain that right.
The sprinter, who was born in 1996, has repeatedly expressed his willingness to participate in the Paris Games in 2024 with the Polish team.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
