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Monika Pyrek reacts to President Duda's controversial decision that outraged Polish athletes

07.01.2025 15:10
A five-time World Championships medalist in pole vault joined other Polish sports figures in condemning President Andrzej Duda for not signing the sports law amendment and instead referring it to the Constitutional Tribunal.
Monika Pyrek, former pole vaulter, before the Sports Champions Gala in Warsaw on January 4, 2025. In the frame, an archival photo of the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda.
Monika Pyrek, former pole vaulter, before the Sports Champions Gala in Warsaw on January 4, 2025. In the frame, an archival photo of the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda.PAP/Piotr Nowak; Grzegorz Momot

In an interview with Eurosport, Pyrek emphasized that any doubts could be resolved through conversation and discussion, and the law could be sent back for amendments rather than completely rejected.

The pole vaulting champion explained that as a former athlete, she had always been involved in issues concerning sportspeople and pointed out the lack of women in decision-making positions regarding the future of Polish sports. The blocked amendment aimed to address this by, among other things, equalizing the rights of women in sports.

Pyrek admitted that one of her most difficult professional experiences was the scarcity of women in Polish sports organizations, calling the situation "shocking."

She also mentioned the example of female athletes who receive only half of their scholarship for six months during pregnancy, compared to women on maternity leave who get 80% for 12 months.

Monika Pyrek previously appeared alongside other Polish medalists: cross-country skier Justyna Kowalczyk-Tekieli, tennis player Magda Linette, volleyball player Joanna Wołosz, and basketball player Katarzyna Zillmann, in a video explaining the challenges women face in Polish sports.

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Source: Eurosport/Przegląd Sportowy/Onet

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