Daria Kasatkina, a tennis player from Russia, remained silent on political and social issues until February 2022 when Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine. At that point, she publicly criticized her country’s actions and marked a turning point in her career. She was now willing to speak out on controversial topics.
Five months later, Kasatkina made another bold move by revealing her relationship with former Olympic skater Natalia Zabiiako. This declaration was significant because Russia is known for its hostility towards LGBTQ+ rights, and Kasatkina knew that her announcement could lead to backlash in her homeland. Despite this, she and Zabiiako stood by their decision and spoke with “60 Minutes” correspondent Jon Wertheim about the importance of speaking out even when it is difficult.
Kasatkina and Zabiiako explained why they felt compelled to share their relationship with the world and acknowledged that they could no longer return to Russia due to the potential consequences of their actions. By speaking out, they hoped to inspire others to stand up for what they believe in and not be afraid to challenge societal norms. Their bravery and willingness to confront difficult issues have garnered attention and sparked important conversations about activism and LGBTQ+ rights in the world of sports.
