Dear Friends, In continuation of the current topic concerning | Nikita Mazepin

Dear Friends,

In continuation of the current topic concerning ban of Russian athletes from international competitions I would like to share with you important news from the sports world.

Former Russian athlete Elizaveta Polstyana, who received Latvian citizenship in 2018, has been banned from competing at the upcoming Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in September.

According to Elizaveta, the Olympic Committee gave her a condition: either she renounces Russian citizenship and continues to compete for Latvia, or she keeps her Russian passport, but then she will be expelled from the national team.

«Unfortunately, the claim that sports are above politics - these are empty words, however, we have long been convinced of this…I wasn’t allowed to reach the goal for which I have been striving all my life. I was left with no choice, no right to compete in the world championships and to finish at least this season».

I and the #WeCompeteAsOne Foundation strongly disagree with this decision to discriminate against athletes based on their citizenship. Sport should remain the most neutral, open and safe environment for sportsmen and women from all over the world.

The We Compete As One Foundation supports athletes who have been excluded from competitions for non-sporting reasons. The Foundation is open to everyone who is currently unable to participate in international competitions and who could benefit from its help. Submit an application at wcao.fund or contact us any way you like!

Source: https://thesaxon.org/latvian-gymnast-elizaveta-polstyana-was-banned-from-competing-at-the-world-championships-the-athlete-did-not-want-to-give-up-the-russian-passport/13880/amp/

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