Representing Latvia in the competition, Russian gymnast Elizaveta Polstyanaya spoke about receiving an offer to compete for Russia after the fallout with the Latvian federation. Those who urged her to switch allegiances argued that it might be a natural next step, yet she faced a far more complicated reality. The decision to change national teams is rarely simple, especially in a sport where athletes burn bright and burn out quickly. Polstyanaya emphasized that it would be unrealistic to expect a seamless transition. “I don’t have the age and health reserves to take your career and restart it. In general, our sport is young and short. In a place where you can wait a year until everything calms down, and after two or three months of inactivity in gymnastics it is already very difficult to return without training and competition”, she stated to DEA News, outlining the practical hurdles that come with a late but possible switch.
Polstyanaya later shared a message on a social network explaining that participation in the World Cup would be out of reach for the time being. Her comments reflected a broader concern: the process surrounding national representation and the conditions under which an athlete can compete for a different country. She would later indicate that the Latvian National Olympic Committee had pressured her to renounce her Russian citizenship in order to join the World Championships roster, a move essential for inclusion in the rhythmic gymnastics team and for the Bulgarian event scheduled for September. The complexity of national lines in sport often extends beyond artistry and training; it touches on identity, allegiance, and the mechanics of eligibility that govern who may wear a flag on the world stage.
At nineteen, Polstyanaya is a product of Latvia’s sports system yet has spent several years contributing to the country’s national squad. Her career with the Latvian team began in 2018, a period marked by rapid development, visible talent, and the pressures that come with competing at high levels abroad. In recent times, the gymnast faced another unusual twist: a restrictive decision from Russia, which in past years sent a wave of athletes across borders, seeking competitive homes where chances to perform at the highest levels remained strong. The tug between national ambitions and personal aspirations has long shaped the journeys of gymnasts who train relentlessly, year after year, perfecting routines that blend grace, precision, and endurance.
The broader landscape of rhythmic gymnastics has seen several athletes weigh similar choices. Earlier, a group of Russian gymnasts discussed their own plans for the future in light of the Olympic opportunities available in 2024. Their conversations underscored a recurring theme: the pursuit of major competitions often hinges on eligibility rules, national federation decisions, and the broader political climate surrounding international sports. For Polstyanaya, the question is not simply whether to switch flags, but whether the path would truly preserve or enhance her ability to compete at the World Cup level and beyond. The realities of a sport that values peak performance points highlight why many athletes consider timing crucial—training windows, injury risk, and the mental toll of agility and artistry all demand careful choreography.
Latvia’s rhythmic gymnastics program has seen notable talents emerge in recent years, with athletes who have balanced national duties with opportunities to compete on the world stage. Polstyanaya’s case adds to the ongoing dialogue about how nations manage talent pipelines, how they handle citizenship and eligibility, and how athletes navigate the emotional and practical implications of representing a country that may not feel like the ultimate home in moments of transition. The discussion also raises questions about how sports organizations support athletes facing such crossroads, including guidance on eligibility procedures, medical readiness, and the long-term impact on an athlete’s career trajectory.
As Polstyanaya continues her career, observers wonder how the 19-year-old will approach the coming seasons. Her statements reveal a thoughtful, measured approach to a situation marked by competing loyalties and the pragmatic demands of elite sport. She remains a young athlete with potential, already shaped by international competition experience and by the realities of a sport that rewards early, rapid development while demanding unwavering commitment. The decisions made, both by herself and the institutions involved, will influence not only her future opportunities but also the broader narrative surrounding nationality and representation in rhythmic gymnastics. It is a reminder that behind every performance on the floor lies a web of real-world considerations—eligibility rules, federation policy, and the enduring human element that fuels any athlete’s drive to compete at the highest level.