Katarzyna Zillmann marks Polish Independence Day with a post about belonging and freedom

In brief

• Rower Katarzyna Zillmann posted a message on Poland's Independence Day, November 11, about feeling at home and wanting everyone to feel safe in the country.
• The post was illustrated with photos of her in Polish colours, taken at international rowing events.
• Zillmann is a multiple medallist, including world and European titles in 2018 and an Olympic silver from Tokyo 2021.

A message on Independence Day

On November 11, when Poland marks its Independence Day, Katarzyna Zillmann published a post on social media. She wrote that she loves Poland because she can feel at home there. Her stated wish is that every person, whatever their nationality, origin, religion or who they love, can feel equally well and safe in the country. She described freedom as being able to be oneself and letting others do the same (Katarzyna Zillmann zabrała głos w Święto Niepodległości. Jaśniej się nie da – Przegląd Sportowy) (Zillmann z wpisem na 11 listopada. "Moim marzeniem" – SportoweFakty) (Zillmann prosto z mostu ws. Polski. Oto co naprawdę myśli o naszym kraju – Interia Sport).

Patriotic photos and their meaning

The post was accompanied by photographs of Zillmann in white and red colours. She later said in a comment that she has a strong attachment to the pictures. Three of them were taken at rowing events where she represented Poland internationally.

Sporting background

Zillmann is one of Poland's most decorated rowers. She won the European and world titles in the women's coxless quadruple sculls in 2018, alongside Agnieszka Kobus-Zawojska, Marta Wieliczko and Maria Springwald. A year later the same crew took the world silver medal. She also won an Olympic silver medal in the same boat class at the 2021 Tokyo Games.

Reaction

The post quickly drew a wave of comments online. Media outlets covering the message highlighted its inclusive tone, placing it within the wider debate about who feels welcome in Poland.