Tokyo Olympics: 6 ‘extra’ swimmers in Poland contingent sent home after blunder from federation

Poland’s swimming federation had sent 23 participants instead of 17 and that sparked outrage among those who were denied a chance to compete.

Six Polish swimmers have returned home from Tokyo Olympics after a massive blunder of sending 23 participants instead of qualified 17, by their national federation

The Poland swimming federation (PZP) had sent 23 swimmers to Tokyo but they were forced to cut down the number based on the world swimming body, FINA’s qualification rules.

Two-time Olympian Alicja Tchorz was among those sent home. She vented her disappointment on social media about all the sacrifices she had made to earn another trip to the Summer Games.

Tchorz, who competed at the 2012 and 2016 Games, expressed her anger on social media.

“Imagine dedicating five years of your life and striving for another start at the most important sporting event … giving up your private life and work, sacrificing your family … your dedication results in a total flop,” she said on Facebook.

Chowaniec added on Instagram: “I’m deeply shocked by what happened… This is an absurd situation for me that should never have happened. In fact, I hope to wake up from this nightmare eventually.”


The team sent out a statement demanding the resignation of Polish Swimming Federation president Pawe Somiski. Somiski in return issued his own statement expressing “regret, sadness and bitterness” about the entire situation.

He said there was confusion over the qualifying rules and that the federation was just trying to “allow as many players and coaches as possible to take part” in the Olympics.

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