Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, a 24-year-old Belarusian sprinter, refused to fly home from the Tokyo Olympics.
She competed in the 100 meters and was to take part in the 200 and 400 meters competition, however, as the athlete claimed, she was pulled from the Olympics and taken to Tokyo airport against her will. Tsimanouskaya asked for help at Tokyo airport and stated she was being forced to return home.
Tsimanouskaya claims the reason her country pulled her out of the Olympics was a video she posted on social media, complaining she was entered into this Thursday’s 400m relay event at too short notice by Belarusian officials. Krystsina noted she had been removed from the team due to the fact that she spoke on her Instagram about the negligence of the coaches.
The Belarusian Olympic Committee stated that Tsimanouskaya was suspended from the Olympics by the decision of doctors, due to her emotional and psychological condition.
Krystsina Timanovskaya is now seeking asylum in Europe.
The Olympic Committee wrote on twitter: “The IOC and Tokyo 2020 have spoken to Krystsina 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 IOC and Tokyo 2020 have spoken to Krystsina 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. /1
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) August 1, 2021
By Ketevan Skhirtladze
