Patriotism and Heroism: The Representation of Ukrainian Female Athletes in Polish Media after the Full-Scale Russian Invasion of Ukraine

<ns3:p>The article examines the coverage of Ukrainian female athletes who became refugees as a result of Russian aggression in the Polish media. The analysis focuses on key publications in leading Polish media outlets, such as Rzeczpospolita and Gazeta Wyborcza, in order to identify the main trends, tones and emphases in the coverage of this topic. Particular attention is paid to how the Polish media portray the image of female athletes as symbols of resilience, hope and international solidarity. = Various aspects of the issue are highlighted, including the role of media in popularizing the topic of forced migration, the challenges faced by Ukrainian female athletes in adapting to new conditions, as well as their contribution to promoting the positive image of their country abroad. The analysis reveals a positive narrative that emphasizes the heroism, perseverance and ability to overcome difficulties inherent in these women. The study also touches on the use of media as a tool to strengthen support for Ukraine among the Polish audience. The article’s conclusions demonstrate the significant influence of the media on shaping public opinion and promoting the integration of refugees into Polish society, which is important for maintaining cultural exchange and international cooperation in times of war.</ns3:p>