First post: Shlomi Chaimi did not appear on the podium and was punished Israel today

First publication.

Mountain biker Shlomi Chaimi, who finished second in the international competition held this weekend in Rosh HaAyin, did not appear on the podium and was deprived of the runners-up and the cash prize. 

Haimi, 32, who represented Israel at the Olympic Games in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, did cross the competition first, but it was later revealed that an appeal had been lodged against him, and the referee, who came from Greece, ruled that he shortened the track. 

Following that, Haimi was added a penalty on time, which eventually brought first place to Yotam Desha, who faced him in the sprint right up to the finish line, and eventually overtook him by one second in the total time of the seven laps on the track. 

Haimi claimed that the punishment was given without his knowledge and without any explanation from the judge as to what law he had passed and therefore, the rider did not appear for the podium ceremony held later, in which he had to receive the trophy for second place.

For this, Chaimi was punished once again, in the denial of the title and the award. 

The very next day, the rider posted an apology on social media: "I apologize for not attending the podium ceremony, I was just in a deep uproar - due to my astonishment at accepting the appeal of my win, which was received without sharing and without allowing my response. However, it does not justify or respect I did not show up - and for that I regret and apologize from the bottom of my heart. " 

Chaimi.

Apologize for the mistake, Photo: Udi Quote

Today (Monday) Chaimi also tried to explain the incident to "Israel Today": "An appeal was filed against me, but without my knowledge. No one took care to update me. The incident was examined and investigated in the presence of only one party, the appellant. And what they told him, for me they could tell him plots that never took place. 

When I found out about the appeal, it was already too late.

I could not do anything.

The route was marked in a way that allowed me to ride the path legitimately.

I have not found any clause in the international constitution that shows otherwise.

The judge did not present and detail to me the section I went through, only claimed 'you shortened the route'.

A mountain bike route takes place in terrain conditions and should be marked in a way that does not allow riding on unauthorized lines.

Making a mistake is human, but as an athlete I believe in making accurate and detailed feedback and learning from mistakes.

It's much easier to sweep things under the rug, in which case I paid the price for the mistakes of others. " 

By the way, in two weeks, a repeat battle is expected between Chaimi and the grass, this time as part of the Israeli championship that will be held in Shefar'am. 

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