Ukrainian gymnast excluded from national team after controversial remarks about Poland

Ukrainian gymnast Vladа Nikolenko has been removed from the national artistic gymnastics team due to expressing anger towards Poland. Acting Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, Matvey Bedny, shared this information.

In her Instagram post, the gymnast wrote, “They’ve spoiled my mood in the morning. I detest this country (Poland – Ed.) with all my heart, especially its residents. I’m here only because the airport in my homeland, Ukraine, was closed.”

Ukraine has verbally apologized to Poland, and the sports federation is preparing an official letter of apology. The gymnast herself has expressed remorse, attributing her actions to a nervous breakdown.