Latvian authorities: gymnast Polstyanaya was not forced to renounce Russian citizenship

The National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Latvia said that Russian gymnast Elizaveta Polstyanaya, who plays for the Latvian national team, was not forced to renounce Russian citizenship. On August 6, the athlete stated that she was required to withdraw from Russian citizenship.

Elizaveta Polstyanaya began her career in Russia, but in 2018 she received Latvian citizenship and began to play for her national team. August 6 sportswoman informedthat she was banned from participating in the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships due to her refusal to withdraw from Russian citizenship.

As told in the press service of the NOC of Latvia (the message leads the channel TV3), a letter was sent to the Latvian Gymnastics Federation with a request to clarify the gymnast’s plans regarding Russian citizenship. According to the regulations, athletes with Russian citizenship are not eligible to receive funding from the Latvian budget. However, the Latvian NOC also noted that even without financial support, athletes can compete for the Latvian national team. Therefore, as explained in the Latvian committee, Elizaveta Polstyanaya was not forced to renounce Russian citizenship.

In March, due to the start of a military operation in Ukraine, the International Gymnastics Federation dismissed Russian athletes from competitions.

Anastasia Larina