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Athlete Claims Sabotage Due to Racism
3 Aug
Summary
- Assistant allegedly sabotaged athlete's squat attempt.
- Instagram comment claimed racial motivation for sabotage.
- Police investigation launched into alleged racist incident.
Lithuanian police have initiated an investigation following allegations of racism at the Powerlifting Championships. An assistant, Ernestas Kusinas, is accused of interfering with Belgian champion Sonita Muluh's squat attempt by placing his knee under the barbell, causing her to fail. This incident occurred in June.
Kusinas initially posted on Instagram, "I am racist, and I did it intentionally," which led the Lithuanian Powerlifting Federation to refer the case to the police. The investigation will examine Kusinas's social media post and his actions during the championship. If convicted, he could face up to two years in prison.
However, Kusinas later told Reuters that his Instagram comment was made in anger to mock those accusing him of racism, not as a genuine confession. He stated he interfered unintentionally due to tiredness. The Lithuanian federation has banned Kusinas from all events, and the International Powerlifting Federation condemned racism.
