Lithuanian Team Withdraws from World Championships After Athlete's Disqualification

On December 15, 2024, Lithuanian athlete Kornelija Dudaitė was disqualified from the World Rowing Championships in Budapest, Hungary, for wearing a shirt with the message "Make Russia small again." This sparked a major controversy. The entire Lithuanian team subsequently withdrew from the competition in protest, citing the unfairness of the decision and the lack of support for Dudaitė. The incident highlights the ongoing tension surrounding the war in Ukraine and the role of athletes in expressing political views. One commentator stated, "It's a shame that an athlete's expression of political opinion is punished so harshly." The incident has raised questions about the balance between freedom of expression and sporting regulations. The Lithuanian team's decision to withdraw was a powerful statement of solidarity with Dudaitė and a condemnation of the organizers' actions.