Poland's Maliszewska devastated after suspension

Polish short track speed skater and European championship silver medalist Natalia Maliszewska broke the silence on Wednesday after her suspension due to anti-doping rule violations, reported Xinhua.

Maliszewska, the most decorated short track speed skater of Poland, who competed at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, broke anti-doping rules on three separate occasions. In consequence, she was suspended for 14 months by the Polish Anti-Doping Agency (POLADA) in December 2023.

"It's not just about being an athlete. It's not easy for me as a person to live with the awareness that I have let someone down. The only thing left for me now is to apologize. My psyche has been violated. It's hard to fall asleep," Maliszewska said in an interview with Polish media on Wednesday.

"I would like to assure you that none of the tests had anything to do with taking illegal substances. It was solely my negligence," the 28-year-old added.

In December, the POLADA informed that the disqualification period began in May 2023, which allows Maliszewska to return to the training in July 2024.

"I was afraid that the suspension would exclude me for the next Olympics, but I will be able to prepare for the event and that's the most important. I will stay one season at home, spend some time with my family. Then I think I will realize that there is life beyond sports," Maliszewska concluded.

The 2026 Winter Olympics Milan-Cortina will take place from February 6 to 22, 2026.