Polish President grants citizenship to runaway Belarusian athlete

August 30, BPN. Polish President Andrzej Duda has granted Polish citizenship to Kryscina Cimanoŭskaja, the Belarusian track and field athlete who did not return to Belarus from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics after posting comments critical of Belarusian sports officials.

“I will by no means forget about Belarus and won’t stop helping all those in need,” Cimanoŭskaja wrote on her Facebook page.

The athlete noted the “incredible support from the people, new knowledge, and life lessons” after she “had to sacrifice everything” in Belarus, leaving behind her family, home, work, and friends.

“Even if I stand on the podium as a Pole, you should know that the medal is for all Belarusians and for our freedom,” the athlete said.

In August 2020, Cimanoŭskaja signed an open letter of athletes protesting against police violence and calling for new elections in Belarus.