Olympics: Controversy as Belarus athlete fights her govt, gets asylum in Poland; IOC launches probe

A major controversy sparked at the Tokyo Olympics as a Belarus athlete fought her government. 24-yr-old Krystsina Tsimanouskaya had earlier refused to board a flight to Belarus. Krystsina had criticised her coaches, drawing the ire of the autocratic government. The Olympian sought protection and was offered asylum in Poland. On august 4, 2021, Tsimanouskaya left Tokyo in a Vienna-bound flight. The athlete’s final destination is unknown and she has polish humanitarian visa. The sprinter was due to compete in women’s 200 metre heats but her Games were cut short. The International Olympic Committee said it has launched an investigation into the matter and added that it has opened a disciplinary commission to establish facts in this case. #Olympics #Belarusathlete #Tokyo2020