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Because she criticized the ruler Lukashenko, the athlete was on a list of "traitors"
Photo: Nikolai Petrov / imago images / ITAR-TASS
After the athlete Kristina Timanowskaja, another athlete from the Belarus Olympic team has found refuge in Poland. The dressage rider Olga Safronowa received a humanitarian visa in Poland, the PAP news agency reported on Sunday, citing the athlete's lawyer. According to the information, Safronova was part of her country's Olympic team for the Tokyo Games, but was excluded before the start because one of her horses was suspected of doping. As a result, the dressage rider is said to have criticized the sports association and the Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko.
During a stay in Poland, she had the horse examined - according to her lawyer, the doping allegations there proved to be baseless.
But after her criticism, Safronova found herself on a list of "traitors to the people."
With the help of a Polish MP who is enthusiastic about equestrian sports, she successfully sought protection in Poland.
You now hope to be able to compete for this country.
The sprinter Timanowskaja fled to Poland at the beginning of August.
According to her own statements, after a conflict with sports officials at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, she should be brought back to her home country against her will, which is ruled by President Alexander Lukashenko in an authoritarian manner.
She then turned to the Japanese police and the International Olympic Committee.
nek / dpa