Polish swimmer refuses to coach Malaysian team over its Israel athlete ban
(TheTimes) – A veteran Polish swimmer has rejected an offer to coach Malaysia’s national swimming team, citing Kuala Lumpur’s recent refusal to grant visas to Israeli athletes, which has caused the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to strip the country of the right to host a major swimming event.
In a Facebook post, Bart Kizierowski — who represented his country at four Olympics — explained his decision to turn down the job.
“I was offered a very attractive coaching position from the Malaysian Swimming Federation,” the 41-year-old wrote.
“Among other personal reasons, I declined that function due to recent statements made by Malaysian politicians regarding refusal of visa for athletes that are supposed to compete at the World Championships organized by that country. There is no place for that in sport.”
The Star newspaper reported that sports officials in Malaysia had already announced his appointment.
The IPC announced over the weekend that Malaysia would no longer be staging the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships as authorities had failed to provide guarantees that Israelis could take part.
The championships, a qualifying event for the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, were due to take place in Kuching from July 29 to August 4.
“Politics and sport are never a good mix,” said IPC President Andrew Parsons in a statement after the body’s governing board made the decision in London. “We are disappointed that Israeli athletes would not have been allowed to compete in Malaysia.”
“All World Championships must be open to all eligible athletes and nations to compete safely and free from discrimination,” said Parsons. “When a host country excludes athletes from a particular nation, for political reasons, then we have absolutely no alternative but to look for a new Championships host.”
Malaysia earlier this month said no Israeli delegates could enter the country for sporting or other events in solidarity with the Palestinians.
Late Monday, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad hit back at the IPC’s decision, branding Israel a “criminal state.”
