News
Belarusian sprinter taken to airport to leave Tokyo
Belarusian athlete is fearing for her safety after criticising her coaches and being ordered to return home early
The 24-year-old sought police protection when arriving at an airport terminal in Japan so she would not have to board the flight back to Belarus.
She was due to compete in the Women’s 200-metre event this week but had complained online about being forced into another race at short notice.
She told the International Olympic Committee that she was “put under pressure to compete” and has asked for urgent assistance.
The IOC says it is seeking clarification from Belarusian officials who earlier said she was removed due to her poor “emotional and physical condition”.
State media has criticised the athlete saying she lacks “team spirit” whilst several other countries including the Czech Republic and Poland have offered her refuge.
It comes as the nation’s leaders cracked down on anti-government protestors, with some national-level athletes stripped of funding, cut from national teams and arrested.