Elizaveta Polstyanaya
Former Russian athlete Elizaveta Polstyanaya, who became a Latvian citizen in 2018, said she was not allowed to compete at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in September.
According to Elizaveta, the Olympic Committee set a condition for her: either she renounces Russian citizenship and continues to play for Latvia, or she does not refuse, but then she is expelled from the national team.
I have said before that such a choice cannot be made I can, because in Russia my family, my friends. This choice is not possible for me. I was given such conditions, and I made a decision. I am now in Russia with my family, but I can no longer play for Latvia,
— said the athlete in an interview with Sport24.
Also, Elizabeth wrote about what happened in social networks.
Unfortunately, “sport is out of politics” — these are empty words, however, we have long been convinced of this … Perhaps the European Championship was the last start in my sports career. <…> I was not allowed to reach the goal to which I had been going all my life. It's a shame? I will not lie and superhero. Yes, it's terribly insulting, as if half of you were destroyed. I’m used to acting in my conscience, and thanks to my parents, who brought up in me the right life values and principles, which, unfortunately, most have forgotten now … I was left no choice, I was not given the right to speak at the World Championships and finish at least this season. I'm not going to blame anyone, let it remain on the conscience of the people who made this decision.
The world champions in rhythmic gymnastics Dina and Arina Averina expressed their support to Elizaveta Polstyanaya.
As we understand you. Hold on! When you step back, you will understand that life does not end there.
Elizaveta Polstyanaya was born in Jurmala, although her parents — Russians. This helped the athlete in 2018, when it became clear that she would not be able to break into the Russian rhythmic gymnastics team.
