By James Sutherland on SwimSwam
Lithuanian coach Paulius Andrijauskas has resigned from his post after facing allegations of harassment and psychological abuse.
Andrijauskas, who represented Lithuania at the 2004 Olympic Games and worked with world champion breaststroker Ruta Meilutyte briefly from 2017 until 2018, was accused of harassment by current World Junior champion and Virginia commit Smilte Plytnykaite.
Plytnykaite, 18, spoke to Lithuanian outlet Lietuvos Rytas in multiple interviews, outlining some of the harassment she’s dealt with from Andrijauskas, which she said included bullying, insults, and sending her inappropriate photos.
Plytnykaite referenced an incident at the 2022 European Junior Championships, when the older members of the Lithuanian team invited the younger athletes to their room to try wine. Fifteen at the time, she admitted to trying some, but said Andrijauskas was waiting outside her room when she returned and recorded a video of her, which ultimately led to her being removed from the Lithuanian Youth Olympic Team.
“Although the entire team admitted they drank wine, I was the only one who was punished so cruelly,” she said.
She shared other examples of Andrijauskas sending inappropriate messages about Plytnykaite in a group chat involving the Lithuanian team at a training camp a few months ago. You can read them here.
She also said at the 2025 World Junior Championships in August, where she won gold in the girls’ 100 breast and silver in the 50 breast, Andrijauskas told her she was a “bad influence” in front of the entire team, leading her to burst into tears.
Plytynakite also posted the following statement on Instagram, according to Lietuvos Rytas, saying she’s been accused of lying, though it currently doesn’t appear on her profile:
I never thought I would have to write such a text… However, it is even more painful to realize that in Lithuania – such a small country – this topic is still uncomfortable, unacceptable and consciously incomprehensible for many. Girls who talk about such experiences are often accused of lying, allegedly making up stories or trying to “get attention”. This is precisely why so many women choose to remain silent…
It seems like society only starts to hear when it touches them personally – when their own daughter, sister or friend is going through it. And of course, thank God they don’t have to go through what I went through. But the fact that my experience is still considered a fabrication only shows once again why this issue has been silenced for so long.
I have long sincerely respected and valued this coach as a specialist in his field. He gave me a lot of knowledge, discipline and experience in sports, for which I am still grateful. That is why it is even more difficult to talk about it. However, respect for professionalism cannot justify inappropriate behavior. Even good results or authority do not give the right to cross the boundaries. He himself knew about his problems, but even after receiving comments from those around him, he did not try to change his behavior.
It’s very unfortunate that his “personal” decision could have hurt others. However, I believe that by talking about such experiences, we can gradually change attitudes and create a safer environment. If my decision to speak out gives at least one person the courage to be more confident in themselves and their feelings, then this step was the right one.
“It’s hard to talk about such things. But it’s even harder to keep quiet.”
During her initial interview, Plytnykaite had said she made the federation well aware of her accusations against Andrijauskas, which ultimately led to his resignation.
Andrijauskas said in a statement:
“Throughout the entire period of working with the Lithuanian swimming team, I have devoted my attention and energy to training athletes and achieving results in the international arena. Currently, my relationship with Smilte Plytnykaitė and her immediate environment is the same – good, friendly and focused on achieving the highest sporting results – they themselves can confirm this. I also know that my relationship with all the athletes in the team and those I train is excellent and there are no complaints.
“Out of respect for the athletes, the community and the reputation of Lithuanian swimming, I have made the decision to temporarily step down from my duties. I am ready to fully cooperate if formal inspections or investigations are initiated, and I trust an objective, fact-based assessment.”
On Wednesday, LTU Aquatics said it discussed the situation between Plytynkaite and Andrijauskas during a remote meeting, and said the matter will be investigated by the Ethics and Disciplinary Commission.
The federation also announced its introduction of preventive measures for disciplinary violations, with a new reporting system implemented no later than January 30, 2026.
LTU Aquatics Secretary General Justas Kalinauska told local outlet LRT: “The coach has made a decision to step down from this position and we respect that. Naturally, this will pose challenges for the association in forming the coaching staff. However, we respect him.
“Our goal is for everyone to feel good and safe. I think everyone who is currently on the team can confirm that the atmosphere is very positive and good.
“We appreciate the coach’s work, but everything will depend on the findings of the investigation – what will be confirmed and what will not. We appreciate his achievements as a swimmer and a coach, but the association will never tolerate such things.”
Plytnykaite, who is set to join the University of Virginia in the fall of 2026, is coming off placing 13th in the women’s 100 breast (1:05.37), 20th in the 200 breast (2:27.68), 22nd in the 100 IM (1:00.84) and 25th in the 50 breast (30.68) at the European Short Course Championships in Lublin earlier this month.
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