The Polish embassy was quick to react to the sprinter's fear. Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Przydac announced that Tsimanouskaya was granted a humanitarian visa and is safe within their embassy. “She’s in the Polish embassy, safe and in quite good condition,” said Przydacz per Reuters. “…The Polish embassy is well-protected in Tokyo.”

Her status for the remainder of the Games is unknown, but now safe, she could actually compete under another flag. On behalf of the Polish government, Przydac said Tsimanouskaya can continue her athletic career in Poland if she so chooses. Pawel Milewski, a Polish ambassador in Tokyo, has met with the sprinter and provided encouraging news. "She is tired, feared but very grateful for our help at this extremely difficult time of her sport career," commented Milewski.

Belarus has previously threatened lives and jailed athletes who have spoken unfavorably of the country.

Alexander Opeikin, a spokesperson for the Belarusian Sport Solidarity Foundation told the Associated Press that Tsimanouskaya's life could have very well been in danger had she not reached out for help. “The campaign was quite serious, and that was a clear signal that her life would be in danger in Belarus,” suggested Opeikin.

Tsimanouskaya had been scheduled to run the 200 meters on Monday and the 4x400-meter relay later this week.

Krystsina Tsimanouskaya

Olympic Sprinter Says Belarusian Coaching Staff Tried to Forcefully Remove Her From Tokyo