Belarusian Sprinter Resettles in Poland
- Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, a Belarusian sprinter, faced a dramatic situation at the Tokyo Olympics when officials attempted to send her home against her will.
- After seeking refuge, she has relocated to Poland to start anew.
- Tsimanouskaya's journey reflects the challenges faced by athletes in politically charged environments.
Belarusian athlete Krystsina Tsimanouskaya expressed her determination to participate in the Paris Olympics after being barred from competing in her preferred events during the Tokyo Games. Speaking to The Associated Press, Tsimanouskaya reflected on her experience in Tokyo, where she was prevented from running the 200 meters and faced pressure from Belarusian officials to leave the country. With the help of police intervention, she managed to avoid being forcibly sent home, fearing reprisals for her outspoken criticism of the Belarusian regime. Now representing Poland, Tsimanouskaya successfully competed in both the 200 meters and the 4x100-meter relay in Paris. Her journey to safety included relocating to Poland, where she has settled since fleeing Belarus. The fallout from the Tokyo incident led to disciplinary actions against two Belarusian coaches, with one receiving a five-year ban for abuse of power. Despite her newfound freedom, Tsimanouskaya has reported receiving online threats and believes she has been followed, prompting her to alert Polish authorities. The absence of a Belarusian Olympic team in Paris, due to a ban by the International Olympic Committee following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, highlights the ongoing political tensions in the region. Tsimanouskaya noted that her Polish team has advised her to remain vigilant, as concerns about her safety persist. She remains cautious, recalling the presence of KGB representatives within the Belarusian team during the Tokyo Games, which adds to her apprehension about potential threats at the Olympics.