IOC: Belarusian runner Timanovskaya is "safe"

After the allegation of attempted kidnapping, the Belarusian committee declared that the athlete would have to forego the Olympics because of her "emotional and psychological state".

Timanovskaya speaks of a "lie".

Tokyo - Belarusian Olympic runner Kristina Timanovskaya is “safe and secure”, according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The athlete, who the opposition believes should be kidnapped from Tokyo by the authoritarian authorities in her country, spent the night in a hotel at Tokyo's Haneda Airport in a "safe environment," said IOC spokesman Mark Adams.

It is in the hands of the authorities, he said, but without giving any details.

A written report was requested from the NOK in their country.

One must first wait for the exact background and details of the incident.

Attempted "violent" exit

The 24-year-old athlete said in a video published by the opposition Belarusian athletes' association Belarusian Sport Solidarity Foundation (BSSF) on Sunday that she had been flown out of Japan against her will after publicly criticizing Belarusian sports officials.

The BSSF spoke of an attempted “violent” departure.

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The Olympic Rings at dusk Tokyo.

© Felipe Dana / AP / dpa

Adams could not provide any information about how the athlete left the Olympic village and who was with her.

At the airport, she turned to the Japanese police.

Representatives of the IOC and the Japanese OC had spoken to her “directly” that night.

"She has assured us that she will feel safe and secure," the IOC spokesman continued.

They spoke to her again on Monday and will continue to do so together with the Japanese authorities “to determine the next step in the coming days”.

They will continue to talk to Timanovskaya about what she is planning and will "support" her in her decision.

Timanovskaya denies mental health problems

The Belarusian Olympic Committee (NOK) had previously stated on Telegram that the athlete had been examined by a doctor and would not take part in any further competitions because of her "emotional and psychological state".

Timanovskaya called this a "lie" on Instagram.

She told the radio station Euroradio: "You just told me to pack my things and fly home." Dpa