Belarusian World Champion Swimmer Attacked at Warsaw Bus Station

Belarusian Olympic medalist Alaksandra Hierasimienia was physically assaulted on Friday morning at Warsaw West Bus Station by an unidentified man who struck her in the head without saying a word.

Assault at Warsaw West

Natalia Radzina, editor-in-chief of the Charter’97 human rights portal, reported the incident on social media. The attack occurred on Friday morning when a man, estimated to be approximately 35 years old, approached the swimmer from behind and struck her in the head.

According to the report, the assailant walked away immediately without speaking. Shocked and in pain, Hierasimienia did not immediately realize what had happened. Due to the busy nature of the station, no bystanders intervened. The victim subsequently reported the incident to the Warsaw III District Police Station.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities have not yet determined whether the attack was a targeted act against the athlete or a random encounter. Requests for official comment from the police remain pending.

Reflecting on the event, Hierasimienia stated she never expected such an assault in broad daylight in Warsaw. She expressed hope that Polish authorities will conduct a thorough investigation and hold the perpetrator accountable.

Background of the Athlete

Alaksandra Hierasimienia is an accomplished swimmer, holding a 2011 world championship gold medal in the 100m freestyle, as well as multiple Olympic medals from London 2012 and Rio 2016. In 2024, she was awarded the Order of the Pahonia by the Rada of the Belarusian Democratic Republic.

In December 2022, a Minsk City Court sentenced her in absentia to 12 years in prison. The charges included calling for sanctions against Belarus and spreading what the regime labeled as false information regarding the 2020 election events. The athlete has been a vocal critic of Belarus’s involvement in the Russian war in Ukraine.