< Back to situations

We’ll email you as it develops, and you can follow the whole thread from day one.

[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE]

2 clusters · 3 sources · 10 days · First seen · Last updated

Categories: SPORTS

Polish sports apology controversies

Entities: Ewa Woydyłło · Iga Świątek · Ewa Swoboda · Małgorzata Ohme · Aryna Sabalenka

Overview

In late July 2026, Polish sprinter Sebastian Urbaniak posted an AI‑generated apology to fellow athlete Ewa Swoboda, acknowledging past harassment that had led to his suspension by the national athletics body. The apology came as Swoboda celebrated a ninth national 100‑metre title and prepared for the European Championships.

A week later, psychologist and author Ewa Woydyłło issued a public apology after describing tennis champion Iga Świątek and Belarusian player Aryna Sabalenka in derogatory terms on a podcast. The remarks sparked widespread criticism from journalists, athletes, and politicians, prompting Woydyłło to express regret and respect for the athletes.

Both incidents illustrate a growing pattern of public figures in Poland’s sports arena facing swift backlash on social media and responding with formal apologies, highlighting heightened sensitivity to misconduct and language toward prominent athletes.

Timeline

  1. about 7 hours ago

    [SPORTS] 3 sources
    Ewa Woydyłło apologises for calling Iga Świątek “głupiutka”

    Ewa Woydyłło apologized after calling Iga Świątek “głupiutka” and using derogatory terms for Aryna Sabalenka, sparking public backlash; journalist Małgorzata Ohme defended her, citing a misinterpretation of her

  2. 10 days ago

    [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Ewa Swoboda receives public apology from fellow Polish sprinter

    Sebastian Urbaniak posted an AI‑generated apology to sprinter Ewa Swoboda on her 29th birthday, after past harassment accusations and a suspension by the Polish Athletic Association; Swoboda had just won her 9‑

Sources

dorzeczy.pl · gwiazdy.interia.pl · sculpture.com