Belarusian sprinter asks IOC for Political asylum; Belarusian authorities made a forceful attempt to fly her home

Photo: Ruptly

Belarusian sprinter Krystisna Tsimanouskaya was attempted to forcefully fly home after she publicly criticized  her coaches 

She took on social media to complain about being picked to take part in a 400m relay event on short notice – a discipline she's had not prepared to compete in.

The 24-year-old Belarusian sprinter was removed from running the women's 200-meter race on Monday.

Belarusian Olympic Committee claimed that she was unable to compete due to her "emotional and psychological state," said a statement from the Belarus Olympic Committee.

She had refused to fight back to Minsk. The managers then forcibly tried to take her to the airport, where she managed to escape after seeking police protection in the airport.

Earlier, she had released a video asking IOC for political asylum.

"I ask the International Olympic Committee for help. I am under pressure and they are trying to take me out of the country without my consent. I ask the International Olympic Committee to interfere," said the athlete in the statement published by the Belarusian Sports Solidarity Foundation (BSSF) on Telegram.

The IOC stated its intention to look into the situation and asked the Belarus Olympic Committee to clarify the issue. Later the IOC tweeted that they are negotiating with Timanovskaya and the authorities to determine further actions. "The IOC and Tokyo 2020 have spoken to Krystina Tsymanouskaya directly tonight. She is with the authorities at Haneda airport and is currently accompanied by a staff member of Tokyo 2020. She has told us that she feels safe," the statement said.

Publish : 2021-08-02 14:18:00

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