'I feel unsafe', says powerlifter over racism row
Summary
Belgian powerlifter Sonita Muluh was disqualified after a spotter accidentally touched her weights during a record attempt in Lithuania. The spotter posted a racist comment on Instagram, leading to a police investigation and his lifetime ban by the Lithuanian Powerlifting Federation. Muluh said she feels unsafe competing and criticized the sport’s governing body for not protecting athletes better.Key Facts
- Sonita Muluh attempted a 334.5 kg squat at the Powerlifting Championships in Lithuania.
- Ernestas Kusinas, a spotter, touched the weights with his knee, causing Muluh’s disqualification.
- Judges ruled Muluh out due to a technical rule violation, not directly because of the touch.
- Kusinas posted on Instagram, “I am racist, and I did it intentionally,” which sparked a police inquiry.
- Kusinas said the post was made in anger and meant to mock an accusation, not a real statement.
- The Lithuanian Powerlifting Federation banned Kusinas for life and made his social media private.
- Muluh expressed feeling unsafe and unsettled competing alongside Kusinas due to his actions.
- She also criticized the International Powerlifting Federation for not protecting athletes and allowing competition in environments where minority athletes feel unwelcome.
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