A powerlifter who alleged she was subjected to a racially motivated act that she says led to her disqualification from an event has said she "does not feel safe" when competing.
Belgium's Sonita Muluh was attempting a record 334.5kg squat at the Powerlifting Championships in Lithuania in June when Ernestas Kusinas - a 'spotter' who helps to ensure the validity of an attempted lift - touched the weights with his knee.
Muluh was disqualified and not allowed to reattempt the lift by judges, who ruled on a separate technical infringement.
But police in Lithuania have launched a criminal investigation after Kusinas later wrote on Instagram: "I am racist, and I did it intentionally."
A police spokesperson told Reuters the investigation will focus on the Instagram message and events at the championship, with a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
#police
Belgium's Sonita Muluh was attempting a record 334.5kg squat at the Powerlifting Championships in Lithuania in June when Ernestas Kusinas - a 'spotter' who helps to ensure the validity of an attempted lift - touched the weights with his knee.
Muluh was disqualified and not allowed to reattempt the lift by judges, who ruled on a separate technical infringement.
But police in Lithuania have launched a criminal investigation after Kusinas later wrote on Instagram: "I am racist, and I did it intentionally."
A police spokesperson told Reuters the investigation will focus on the Instagram message and events at the championship, with a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
#police
6 days ago
