Polish Olympian Bart Kizierowski Turns Down Malaysian National Swimming Team Position Because of Relations With Israel

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Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Former Polish Olympic Swimmer Bart Kizierowski announced he turned down an opportunity to coach the Malaysian National Swim Team in part because of the country’s ban on Israeli athletes.

Malaysia had notably been scheduled to host the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships in July, but was stripped of the event by the International Paralympic Committee for refusing to allow Israeli athletes to compete.

According to multiple reports including The Star in Malaysia, the country announced that they will not grant visas to Paralympic swimmers from Israel to take a stand against Israel and their ongoing conflict with Palestine.

Kizierowski was offered a coaching position in Malaysia and refused to take the offer because he believes there is no place for a ban against athletes in sports.

In a Facebook post, which is now taken down, the Polish swimmer wrote,

“Yesterday, I was offered a very attractive coaching position from the Malaysia Swimming Federation. Among other personal reason(s), I declined that position due to recent statements made by Malaysian politicians regarding (the) refusal of visas for athletes who were supposed to compete in the World Championship organized by that country (Malaysia).”

“There is no place for that (ban) in sports. I also want to thank the swimming community in Malaysia that showed me trust and gave me that opportunity (the coaching position).”

Kizierowski received multiple hate comments on his social media outlets ranging from anti-Israel to anti-Semitic.

Kizierowski competed for Poland at four Olympic Games from 1996-2008. He reached the final of the 50 free in 2000 where he placed fifth after being the top seed after the heats. He was ninth in the 50 four years later in Athens. He did however win the European title twice in the 50 free in 2002 and 2006. He also won a bronze in the same event at the 2005 World Championships.

Kizierowski also swam four years at Cal and won two NCAA titles, winning the 100 free in 1999 and going third on the 400 free relay team in 2000.

The Jewish Telegraphic Industry and The Star contributed to this post.

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Cynthia Lorraine
5 years ago

There should be a worldwide boycott of that Malaysia meet

Jin Kian
5 years ago

Cynthia Lorraine yeahh ?

Charlene Tallen
5 years ago

Cynthia Lorraine seriously. Who is going?

Lisa Greenberg
5 years ago

Cynthia Lorraine the meet was taken out of Malaya

Bob
Bob
5 years ago

Athletes & sport shouldn’t be pawns. That said, Israel persecutes Palestinians, steals their land and resources.

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