Two coaches removed from Tokyo Olympics in Belarus case

I feel so bad for the whole population of Belarus that is being held captive by their dictator. These poor athletes are afraid to lose as the consequences could mean death, literally.

Well-said, Nibek32. I've lived in totalitarian countries. What can turn out to be a deadly mistake cannot even be anticipated.

Those coaches, they deserve to be removed

"I just want to run" ... but when the coach asked me to cover for a colleague in the 400 m relay I said no.

She wants to run her race (200m) - she has every right to say no to running a different race, but especially running a longer distance race

But the coaches didn't even ask her in the first place - they just put her name down on the 400m without asking her first if she's able to do it

It's more taxing for a shorter distance runner to run a longer distance race (if you trained for half-marathons, then I suddenly put you down to run a full marathon, would you do it?) And then she still has her own race to run in addition - it's a setup for her to fail both races

The Belarus coaches, first they should had asked instead of putting names down without asking. Second, they should had asked a longer distance runner instead to go down to the shorter distance race. It's easier for a longer distance runner to go down, than a shorter distance runner to go up. So that's 2 boneheaded mistakes those coaches already did

Had she been from any U.S. empire-friendly country, the non-story would've gone: athlete refuses to be a team player, gets kicked off the squad and sent home. I doubt any newswire would've picked it up.

The US-friendly country wouldn't kidnap an athlete against her will and knowledge though - that's the big difference here

They may kick their athlete out, but they'll let her go to wherever she wants - not bundling her in secret and force her to board a plane home

I just want to run" ... but when the coach asked me to cover for a colleague in the 400 m relay I said no.

Nice try at twisting what actually happened to create your own reality!

And the coach added me to the relay without my knowledge. I spoke about this publicly. The head coach came over to me and said there had been an order from above to remove me."

https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/exclusive-olympics-belarusian-athlete-says-she-was-taken-airport-go-home-after-2021-08-01/

To be clear; I was talking about the coaches, not the brave athlete who stood up for her rights. Sorry if I confused anyone.

If I were one of those coaches, I'd see if Poland would accept me too!

Don't disappoint the dictator. It isn't good for your health.

And don't let the door hit you in your behind at Narita.