Tokyo Olympics: Belarusian coaches who tried to send Krystsina Tsimanouskaya home for investigation
An investigation has been opened into two Belarusian coaches who allegedly tried to force an athlete to return home after the Tokyo Olympics.
Krystsina Tsimanouskaya said she was taken to Tokyo airport against her will after criticizing her coaches.
The sprinter received police protection after expressing fears for her safety and was subsequently granted asylum in Poland.
The International Olympic Committee and World Athletics have now opened a “formal procedure” in the matter.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) will investigate the two coaches, whose Olympic credentials have been revoked and withdrawn from the Games.
“The IOC and World Athletics have agreed to continue the investigation and initiate formal proceedings [regarding] the two coaches, ”he said in a statement.
“To this end, and given that the Olympic Games are now over, it was decided that the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) – the independent body created by World Athletics to handle all matters of integrity (both doping and non-doping-related) for the sport of athletics – will lead the process, with the full collaboration and support of the IOC.
“The IAU will publish the result of its investigation when it is finalized.”
Tsimanouskaya, 24, alleged in a video posted online that she was short-termed in the 400m relay event by Belarus officials, after some teammates were found to be ineligible to participate.
State media criticized her after posting the video, with one TV channel saying it lacked “team spirit.”
She claimed officials came to her room and gave her an hour to pack her bags before being escorted to Haneda Airport in Tokyo.
Belarusian officials said Tsimanouskaya was removed from the team due to her “emotional and psychological state”.
