Alexander BokulevDeputy Head of Editorial Board SportAll materialsLatvian Elizaveta Polstyanaya will not be able to compete at the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships due to her decision not to renounce her Russian citizenship. We understand the new sports scandal. What happened? On Friday, 19-year-old Polstyanaya published a poignant post on her personal social networks, which she began with the message «sport is out of politics — empty words.» It turned out that the gymnast would not be able to compete at the World Championships, which she called «the goal she had been working towards all her life.»
"I was left no choice, I was not given the right to compete 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. I gave my all — every day, every competition. She performed with fever, injuries, etc. My main goal was to adequately represent Latvia in the international arena!" — The half-length gave out a real cry from the heart.
Specific reasons were not indicated in the publication, but then the gymnast revealed the situation through the media. It turned out that a week ago the girl was preparing for the World Championships in Latvia, but the National Olympic Committee gave her an ultimatum. It's all about Russian citizenship, which Polstyana had since childhood, although she was born in Jurmala.