Iga Swiatek: "War for me is not about politics but people's suffering"
Polish tennis player Iga Swiatek recently spoke out about her views on war and the role of athletes in society. In an interview with Wprost, Swiatek shared her thoughts on hate, political tensions, and the responsibility of public figures to speak out. She emphasized that for her, war is not about politics but about the suffering of people.
"War for me is not about politics, but about people's suffering, and that is why I decided to speak out," Iga Swiatek said.
She also discussed the controversy surrounding Russian and Belarusian athletes appearing on tennis courts.
"As a Pole, from the beginning of the war in Ukraine, I was emotional about this issue. For me, it is important that we - athletes, public figures - have an impact on society. Our views shape others, and this can trigger change," Swiatek said.
In terms of the controversy surrounding Russian and Belarusian athletes appearing on tennis courts, Swiatek said that it has created a moral dilemma for some players. This comes after Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year.
"I have the impression that all these elements, plus the fact that, after all, Russian and Belarusian athletes are in a sense not responsible for the actions of politicians from their countries, makes for a certain dissonance. And a moral conundrum," Iga Swiatek explained.
Iga Swiatek also discussed the issue of hate that athletes face, particularly after a defeat.
"Actually, after every defeat, a lot of hate is poured. Once there was so little of it that I realized that there were more positive comments. But since my popularity and sports level have increased, the percentage of people who negatively evaluate me has also increased," Iga Swiatek shared
Despite these challenges, Iga Swiatek remains committed to using her platform to make a positive impact. She encourages other athletes and public figures to do the same. The Pole emphasized the importance of standing up for what is right and using their influence to effect change.
Iga Swiatek discusses the role of athletes in addressing conflict and promoting peace
Iga Swiatek also spoke out about the responsibility of athletes in addressing conflicts and promoting peace. She believes that governing bodies in sports have a significant role to play in preventing tensions and ensuring that the focus remains on the game.
"I think that with the right leadership in the governing bodies of tennis at the beginning of the conflict, such things would not have happened and the mood would not have been more and more tense." Iga Swiatek said
The 2020 French Open champion also discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. She emphasized the importance of sports federations making decisions that can help stop Russia's aggression.
She urged individuals with influence to remember that human lives are at stake and to consider the impact of their actions.
"And I just want people who have an impact on specific events to remember that human lives are at stake. And I think that in today's world, which is very complicated, sometimes they forget about it," Swiatek said.
Swiatek acknowledged the complexity of the situation for Russian tennis players who have not spoken out against the war. She stated that they may have family ties in Russia. However, she emphasized that the more people speak out against the war, the greater their impact can be in promoting peace.
"But I have the impression that the more people speak out against the war, the louder we can be. And we can have more impact. Recently, Petra Kvitová, who has just won the Miami Open, also spoke," Swiatek added.
Swiatek also spoke about the tensions in the tennis locker room, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing conflict. She believes that leadership from governing bodies could help ease tensions. The Pole said that they can make it easier for players from different countries with different views to coexist in the same environment.
"More than a year has passed since the war began, and in tennis we do not quite act in such a way as to ease tensions. They are rather fueled by the fact that there are no people who would efficiently manage the situation," Swiatek stated.
Swiatek believes that athletes and governing bodies have a responsibility to promote and maintain peace.