Zambian Swimming Star Tilka Paljk Withdraws from National Team Citing Federation Issues
Zambian swimming champion Tilka Paljk has made a shocking announcement, declaring she will not represent the country in upcoming competitions.
The 27-year-old athlete blames ongoing friction with the Zambia Swimming Union (ZASU) for her decision.
Paljk, who resides in Cape Town, South Africa, spoke out against ZASU, accusing them of ostracizing her since a disciplinary hearing in January 2023. Despite only receiving a warning at the hearing, Paljk alleges ZASU has effectively pushed her away from the national team.
“There have been rumors about a suspension, but I never got any official word of that nature,” Paljk told Sports Mail. “It feels very strange. How can you treat your top athlete this way? It feels personal.”
Paljk further claims that communication with ZASU has been minimal, with all contact in the past year going through her club, Maties Swimming.
This lack of direct communication and perceived personal vendetta have led Paljk to lose faith in the federation’s ability to maintain a professional relationship.
The fallout has already impacted Paljk’s participation in international events. She hasn’t competed for Zambia since the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
With her decision to withdraw from representing the national team, Paljk’s participation in upcoming competitions seems unlikely.
