Baranavičy-born Žodzik athlete of the year in Poland

October 21, Pozirk. Poland has recognized high jumper Maryja Žodzik (Maria Żodzik), a Baranavičy-born high jumper, as the athlete of the year.

The top award was presented to the Belarusian at the Queen of Sport Gala, according to WP Sportowe Fakty.

“Žodzik was the star of the Polish team at the world championships in Tokyo,” the report reads.

The 28-year-old produced a lifetime best performance to win silver in the women’s high jump on September 21, clearing 2.00 meters.

Žodzik’s medal was the only one for the Polish national team at the championships.

After her successful performance, the athlete told the media that she was not planning to return to Belarus.

The athlete obtained Polish citizenship in March 2024 and represented Poland at the Olympics in Paris the same year.

Žodzik has been living in Poland since 2022. In 2021, she missed the Tokyo Olympics because officials from the Belarusian Athletic Federation failed to arrange her doping tests on time.

Five years ago in Belarus, she signed an open letter to condemn election fraud and police violence. Later, she also publicly condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Most of the athletes who supported the 2020 postelection protests in Belarus faced reprisals and were deprived of the opportunity to compete in Belarus. Belarusian sprinter Kryścina Cimanoŭskaja also represents Poland after being persecuted in Belarus.

Exiled high jumper Žodzik wins world championship silver for Poland