IOC Officially Launches Investigation into Belarus Track Athlete's Defection

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched a formal investigation into Belarus's attempt to forcibly repatriate its female track and field athlete who participated in the Tokyo Olympics.

According to foreign media on the 3rd (local time), IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said at a briefing that day, "We need to ascertain all the facts," adding, "We have decided to initiate an official investigation." Earlier, Belarusian national sprint representative Krystsina Tsimanouskaya (24) protested against her country's forced recall attempt during the Tokyo Olympics and requested asylum abroad.

Having competed in the 100m and 200m events, she suddenly found herself included in the 1,600m relay team without prior discussion. After criticizing her national track team, she faced the threat of forced repatriation. Currently, she is staying at the Polish Embassy in Tokyo with the assistance of the Tokyo Olympic Committee and local police.

Tsimanouskaya is expected to soon enter Poland, which issued her a humanitarian visa.

After the Belarusian presidential election last August, during the ongoing political turmoil caused by large-scale opposition protests against election fraud, Tsimanouskaya participated in statements demanding a re-election and the release of political prisoners.

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