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Sprinter 'Safe And Secure' In Tokyo After Refusing To Fly Home To Belarus

A Belarusian sprinter's being protected by Olympic officials at a hotel in Tokyo, after claiming she...


Sprinter 'Safe And Secure' In...

News

Sprinter 'Safe And Secure' In Tokyo After Refusing To Fly Home To Belarus


A Belarusian sprinter's being protected by Olympic officials at a hotel in Tokyo, after claiming she was taken to the airport against her will.

Krystsina Tsimanouskaya voiced criticisms against her coaches online, which she says has led to the standoff.

The 24-year-old sprinter had been due to compete at the Games this week.

However, in a video posted on social media, she claimed she was looking for help as she was "under pressure" to leave the country.

In a statement, the International Olympic Committee said the athlete now feels "safe and secure" after speaking to authorities at Haneda Airport.

IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said the IOC and Tokyo 2020 are now having conversations with the athlete and the Japanese authorities "to determine the next step" in the upcoming days.

Ms Tsimanouskaya, meanwhile, spent the night at an airport hotel after speaking to authorities at the Tokyo airport.

Main image: File photo of Krystsina Tsimanouskaya. Picture by: Ernesto Vicinanza/Zuma Press/PA Images


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