IOC investigating case of Belarusian sprinter now under Polish diplomatic protection

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is investigating the case of Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, who is now under Polish diplomatic protection, The Washington Post reported.

IOC spokesperson Mark Adams said Tuesday that the committee has launched a formal investigation in Tsimanouskaya’s case, saying they will question two Belarusian Olympic officials, Artur Shumak and Yuri Moisevich, who have been implicated in the incident. 

Tsimanouskaya, 24, arrived in Vienna on Wednesday as Polish officials granted her asylum after as she expressed fear of her safety and future persecution by Belarus officials.

Tsimanouskaya made international headlines Sunday after posting an Instagram video criticizing her nation’s Olympic officials for putting her in a relay race that she never trained or competed in before, the Post reported. 

In an interview with The Associated Press, the sprinter said she wasn’t surprised by her removal from the national team, adding that she wants to compete in more Olympic events in the future but her and her family’s safety is her biggest concern. 

“I would very much like to continue my sporting career because I’m just 24, and I had plans for two more Olympics at least,” Tsimanouskaya told the AP. But “for now, the only thing that concerns me is my safety.”

The Hill has reached out to the IOC for comment.