MOSCOW, Aug 7 National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Latvia (LOK) did not set an ultimatum to Elizaveta Polstyanaya to renounce Russian citizenship under the threat of expulsion from the Latvian national rhythmic gymnastics team, the LOK press service told LETA, quoted by TV3. Polstyanaya began her career in Russia, but in 2018 became a citizen of Latvia and began performance for the national team. On Friday, the athlete announced that she was banned from participating in the 2022 World Championships. Explaining her statement in more detail, Polstyanaya told LETA that she had been sent a letter with an ultimatum: to renounce Russian citizenship and continue to represent Latvia, or be expelled from the national team. a letter to the gymnastics federation in order to obtain information about Polstyanaya's future plans regarding the status of her Russian citizenship. Athletes who simultaneously have Latvian citizenship of Russia or Belarus cannot qualify for support from the country's budget, including funding from LOV, however, even without receiving support from the budget, they can represent Latvia at competitions. It is noted that in a similar Biathlete Edgars Mise, who does not receive support from public funds while he is in the process of renouncing Russian citizenship, turned out to be in the situation, and trains at his own expense.
