Former Belarusian Olympic Coach Banned for Five Years After Threatening Athletes
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) have imposed a five-year ban on Yuri Moisevich, the former head coach of the Belarusian Olympic team, following his behavior towards sprinter Kristina Timanovskaya during the Tokyo Games in 2019. Moisevich was found to have breached World Athletics’ integrity code of conduct and contravened the Integrity Standard for ‘Honesty.’
Dispute with Timanovskaya Led to Coach’s Expulsion from Olympic Village
Timanovskaya, who was set to compete in the 200 meters at the Tokyo Games, had a public dispute with team officials over their entry of her in the 4×400-meter relay, an event she had not previously competed in. Following this dispute, Moisevich was removed from the Olympic Village and his accreditation was canceled. Timanovskaya had feared for her safety if she were to return to Belarus, leading her to refuse to board a flight home and instead seek asylum in Poland.
Athlete’s Dignity Violated: AIU
An independent disciplinary tribunal found that Moisevich had breached the integrity code of conduct and that his actions were “a clear affront to the Athlete’s dignity and an abuse of power.” The tribunal also determined that Moisevich had provided false or inaccurate information during events leading up to Timanovskaya’s departure from the Olympic Village.
Coach’s Ban Prevents Participation in Global Athletics Events
Moisevich retired in May 2021, but the five-year ban immediately prevents him from participating in any events sanctioned by World Athletics.
Athlete’s Dream Denied: Timanovskaya
Speaking to the media after she was forced to leave the Tokyo Olympics, Timanovskaya expressed her disappointment at being denied the opportunity to compete. “I was ready for the Games, especially for the 200 meters,” she said. “They took away my dream of performing at the Olympics. They took this chance away from me.”
Significant Success for Athlete’s Rights: AIU Chair
AIU chair David Howman described the ruling as a significant success for athlete rights, adding that “every attempt must be made to guarantee the environment in which they compete is free of harassment, abuse and bad faith dealings of any kind.”
Background: Belarusian Olympic Team and Fears of Retaliation
Timanovskaya did not make any overtly political comments during the Tokyo Olympics, but her plight heightened fears of the safety of those who speak out against Belarusian officials. She recorded part of her conversations with Moisevich, which were used as evidence during the hearing.
The IOC and the AIU have not yet responded to CNN’s request for comment on Moisevich’s ban.
This article does not contain any content related to the Canadian teenager Christopher Morales Williams or his denied 400m indoor world record.
