An independent investigation into the Lithuanian Aquatics Association and its handling of complaints made by Smilte Plytnykaite has found that the organization failed to adequately protect the star junior swimmer in a case involving alleged inappropriate communication by coach Paulius Andrijauskas.
Andrijauskas resigned from the LTU Aquatics coaching staff in December after Plytnykaite accused him of harassment, including bullying, insults, and sending her inappropriate photos.
An investigation was launched in October 2025 by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, and Athlete Representative Laura Montvilaite issued a ruling on Feb. 18.
The ruling states that LTU Aquatics did not do enough to ensure a safe and respectful environment and failed to respond adequately when potential violations were identified.
Two experts participating in the investigation found that Andrijauskas’ behavior met the criteria for gender-based and sexual harassment under Lithuanian law, Constitutional Court case law, and LTU Aquatics’ own Sexual Harassment Prevention Standards.
The investigation found that Andrijauskas made sexist remarks and degrading comments, and that these behaviors were repeated between 2022 and 2025, not isolated incidents. Experts noted that both his conduct and his failure to discipline male athletes for bullying, sexist and racist remarks “promoted an unsafe, hostile environment, especially for young female athletes.”
They also emphasized the power imbalance between the swimmer and coach, how the athlete’s emotional experience is a key aspect, and that sexist “jokes” are legally recognized forms of harassment.
An International Olympic Committee-certified Safe Environment Officer for Athletes was also involved in the investigation, concluding that LTU Aquatics failed to ensure a safe environment in 2025 and that the federation did not respond adequately to complaints.
The two experts and the Safe Environment Officer recommended that LTU Aquatics initiate proper disciplinary procedures, apply sanctions in line with law and its own internal rules, and conduct mandatory training for all staff members. They also called on LTU Aquatics to develop an action plan to address cultural issues and to implement monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance.
Andrijauskas denied the accusations lodged by Plytnykaite in December and was seeking an objective review. Later in December, another Lithuanian swimmer, Kristupas Trepocka, took responsibility for a racial remark alleged to have been said by Andrijauskas in the original complaint.
Following Andrijauskas’ resignation, the federation announced the introduction of preventive measures for disciplinary violations, with a new reporting system implemented at the end of January.
LTU Aquatics’ disciplinary body is currently conducting its own independent investigation, “the purpose of which is to comprehensively, objectively and in accordance with applicable legal acts and the Association’s internal procedures, investigate all circumstances related to the issue in question,” the federation said in a statement on Feb. 18.
LTU Aquatics said that any final assessment from the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports investigation will only be made final once its own investigation concludes and its findings are published.
The federation has created a three-person commission to investigate the matter.
“We have confirmed the procedures and are improving them. There is a red button – the opportunity to write an anonymous e-mail,” LTU Aquatics President Saulius Binevičius said last month, according to 15min. “And the investigation itself is currently underway. I know that it has really shifted to the second half. I think we will announce it in the coming weeks. I have already said that we support and are always for the truth, but let’s let the commission answer these questions.”
“The commission is asking questions to both sides, monitoring all the situations that have arisen, and I think we should resolve this issue within two weeks. Currently, Smiltė is in the Tenerife camp with all the team members. Just be patient. I can’t speculate, but as far as I know, we will have answers soon.”
After the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports investigation concluded, LTU Aquatics said in a statement on Feb. 18 that its investigation is nearing its end: “To our knowledge, the only remaining part of the investigation procedure is the interview of the athlete, the organization of which took time to arrange a time for the interview that is acceptable to the athlete.”
“LTU Aquatics takes a consistent position to cooperate with all institutions, provide all necessary information, and ensure that final decisions are based on thoroughly researched facts and the principles of objectivity and impartiality.
“We will inform the public about the further progress of the process and the decisions made.”
In that case, the federation’s leaders should take responsibility and resign….Huge shame worldwide…
Ban this coach for life
they are going backwards. The new trend is “if you are powerful enough, you get away with it”. Hide your daughters like it’s the 1200s.
New trend? Same old same old unfortunately