OREANDA-NEWS. Belarusian athlete Kristina Timanovskaya said that she was ready to return to her homeland when it would be “safe” for her there.

“I am ready to return to Belarus when it’s safe for me there,” the athlete said at a press conference in Warsaw on Thursday, August 5.

At the end of July, the athlete criticized the actions of the coaching staff of Belarusian athletes at the Tokyo Olympics, saying that she was announced for the 4x400 m relay without prior notice, while, according to her, she only runs short distances.

In response to criticism from the athlete, the NOC of Belarus indicated that Timanovskaya was sent home due to her emotional and psychological state. However, as the girl herself reported, she was taken to the airport without explanation, saying that she was flying home.

The participant of the Games later admitted that she did not intend to return to Belarus, and turned to the air harbor police for help, after which she was taken under guard.

On August 2, Poland began the process of granting Timanovskaya asylum. Polish Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Culture, National Heritage and Sports Piotr Glinsky said that the athlete will have the opportunity to train in one of the country's sports centers immediately after arrival, she has been granted a humanitarian visa.

Later, Timanovskaya explained her criticism of the coaches of the national team by saying that she was nervous. According to her, she was preparing for specific distances. However, at the moment when she found out that due to the coincidence of circumstances she could take part in the 4x400 relay, she was a little shocked and emotions took over.