A Belarusian sprinter has sought political asylum from Tokyo authorities after she complained of forced attempts to forcibly repatriate her.
Khrystyna Tsimanovska called police at the airport in the Japanese capital on Sunday, saying she did not want to board a state plane back to Minsk. The athlete claims that she became a victim of repressions due to criticism of the coaches of the Belarusian national team.
A few hours before the women’s 200-meter sprint, Christina was taken to Haneda Airport. Earlier, she complained on social media that at the last moment she was registered to participate in the relay for 4 to 400 meters without her knowledge, after two of her teammates dropped out due to lack of doping tests. This provoked criticism of Tsimanovska in the state media of Belarus.
Shortly afterwards, representatives of the Belarusian Olympic Committee arrived at her room in the Olympic Village and said she had an hour to pack her bags before being taken to the airport.
The Belarusian Olympic Committee announced that Khrystyna Tsimanovska was removed from the team due to an unstable emotional and mental state. The athlete denies that she was examined by doctors for such a problem.
According to the latest data, she will apply for asylum in Europe after receiving visa offers from the Czech Republic and Poland, reports the BBC.
The UN Refugee Committee also maintains contacts with Tsimanovskaya. The sprinter spent the night at a hotel near the airport, which is guarded by Japanese police.
The story has become scandalous in the team itself, informs BTA. Maxim Nedosekov, a bronze medalist in high jump, spoke out against his teammate. “I don’t like this person at all! She is very arrogant about the team, other players and coaches. She thinks they misbehaved with her. In general, she talks a lot, but everyone should be responsible for their words,” Nedosekova, a Belarusian sportswoman, was quoted as saying. Tribune newspaper.
The International Olympic Committee has stated that it is investigating the situation and will not impose sanctions on Belarus until the case is clarified.