A Lithuanian swimming coach is at the center of a growing controversy stemming from online allegations of misconduct. The accusations, which include claims of harassment and the sharing of inappropriate images, prompted a swift denial from the coach, identified as P. Andrijauskas in Lithuanian media [[1]]. A fellow swimmer, K. Trepočka,has as come forward with a surprising claim,asserting obligation for a particularly damaging remark initially attributed to the coach,raising questions about the origins and accuracy of the accusations. This developing story underscores the complexities of navigating allegations in the digital age and the potential for rapid misinformation within athletic communities.
A Lithuanian swimming coach is defending himself against accusations of inappropriate behavior following claims made online, sparking a debate within the country’s athletic community. The allegations, which surfaced over the weekend, include claims of harassment and sending sexually suggestive images to athletes.
The coach, who has not been publicly named in English-language reports but identified as P. Andrijauskas in Lithuanian media, addressed the accusations in a social media post, stating he was “being accused of practically everything imaginable.” He expressed dismay that such claims were being made publicly without any attempt to verify the facts.
“I only learned about all the inappropriate phrases supposedly attributed to me, and the inappropriate actions, by reading publications in the public domain,” Andrijauskas wrote. “It’s strange to read that I am harassing an athlete and sending sexually explicit photos. Honestly, I would like to see what was meant by that. The swimming community knows that I am a demanding coach, but I have never used violence – physical, psychological, or sexual – against any athlete.”
The controversy centers around comments allegedly made regarding swimmer S. Plytnykaitė’s decision to study in the United States, and the circulation of a photograph of the coach. These accusations have prompted a response from within the Lithuanian swimming world, with some coming forward to challenge the initial claims. This situation highlights the potential for misinformation and the importance of due process when allegations of misconduct arise in sports.
Fellow swimmer K. Trepočka came forward with a statement claiming responsibility for a particularly contentious remark. According to reports, the comment in question – that Plytnykaitė would “start riding Black people” upon moving to the U.S. – was actually made by Trepočka, not Andrijauskas.
Trepočka also stated he had seen the photograph of Andrijauskas that was circulated in athlete group chats, and that it was not of a sexual nature.
K. Trepočka’s statement:
“I think everyone should know the truth, or at least hear the opinion of someone who sat at the dinner table during the camp where this wave of slander against the coach began. He is currently being accused of unimaginable things, with words and quotes that never came from his lips or were heard by others, but ultimately attributed to the respected coach’s name on social media.
“Let me give a couple of examples, after which, I think you will understand that the coach is innocent, and those who judge him should read the articles of the Criminal Code between the lines and think about what might threaten them if they throw such accusations without evidence on social networks.
“For example, a quote that was published in the ‘Savaitgalis’ newspaper, I think, sounded the most disgusting and had perhaps the biggest impact on this entire scandal: – ‘Smiltė is going to America to study, she will start riding Black people.’ Understand that this is not true and this quote did not come from the coach’s lips, and I guarantee that, because I know and take responsibility for this quote – I said it myself personally, not the coach!!!’
“I am not proud to have said this, but the author of the quote personally knew that I said this quote, not the coach, because I received a warning from the LTU Aquatics delegation shortly before this quote. But until now, I did not understand why it was ultimately attributed to the coach’s name, although the truth was known to her.
“Another quote, which is not even related to Smiltė herself, but in her opinion, is very important and may harm the psyche of other young athletes, was also published in the ‘Savaitgalis’ newspaper. Quote: – ‘Or she sends her half-naked photo in bed with various images. And in the group – there are underage girls.’ Reading the article from the side and not knowing the context and the author of the quote not providing any evidence, but only saying that ‘she uploads a photo with various images,’ one can get a very disgusting impression.
“But I saw that photo with my own eyes and can tell the context. Saturday, we are all after a hard workout, and the coach sends his personal selfie, where he is without a t-shirt, but the frame shows only himself from the middle and up, posing a strained biceps, with the caption under the photo: ‘We worked well, guys. Rest, we’ll meet on Monday at training.’ So let the author of this quote start judging all adult male athletes who practice water sports, because in the pool we are only in swimming trunks, where the body is visible not only from the middle up, and there are also many underage girls in the pool.”
“Having presented a couple of examples from the close environment, I think you will understand that all these articles are about nothing, and people who have nothing to do in this life but buy articles, pretend to be victims and destroy the lives of innocent people, I would just advise them to see a psychologist and neurosurgeon to check what crap is floating under their skull.”
