In December 2017, Ukrainian chess Grandmaster Anna Muzychuk was at the peak of her career. She held two world titles—Rapid and Blitz—and in just five days, she could have defended both. The prize money? The biggest payday she’d ever had.
But she chose to walk away.
The tournament was in Saudi Arabia, where women had to wear an abaya, follow strict rules, and be accompanied by male escorts. For Anna, this wasn’t just uncomfortable—it was unacceptable.
“I refuse to wear the abaya. I refuse to be made to feel like a second-class person,” she said.
With those words, she knowingly gave up her titles, her prize money, and the chance to again stand at the top of the chess world.
Her choice wasn’t about the trophies—it was about her principles. And while she worried that “no one seems to care,” the world did. Headlines spread, conversations ignited, and Anna’s quiet stand became a powerful call for dignity in sports.
Because some victories aren’t counted by medals.
They’re measured by the courage to say no.