Volleyball
“People spit on me.” Polish volleyball player about harassment by fans because of her performance in a Russian club
Malvina Smarzek / Photo: © VK Lokomotiv
Polish volleyball player Malvina Smazhek spoke about the harassment from the fans because of her performance in the Kaliningrad Lokomotiv.
It got to the point where I was afraid to leave the house. There were times when people pushed or spat at me. I am being treated for depression. I used to have panic attacks that sometimes come back. It all started in Russia, and that was the moment when I was completely overwhelmed. The situation was killing me. I felt that there was no point in playing volleyball, taking a shower, eating, going outside. I was so depressed that I didn’t understand what was going on. Later, I was diagnosed, and now I am undergoing treatment,” Smazzek quotes sport.pl.
Smazhek played for Lokomotiv in the 2021/22 season, the athlete terminated the contract with the Russian club in March 2022.
Source: Sportbox
Alberta Robinson is a sports journalist and author, who is currently associated with the publication Sportish, where she writes about sports related news and events. With a passion for sports and a keen eye for detail, Robinson brings in-depth analysis and insightful commentary to her writing.