Yury Moisevich, an Olympic track coach, has been banned from the sport for five years following his attempt to force Belarusian sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya to return home from the Tokyo Games. The ban, imposed by track and field’s Athletics Integrity Unit, was based on Moisevich’s actions being deemed as an affront to the athlete’s dignity and an abuse of power.
Moisevich was found guilty of providing false information during the events leading up to Tsimanouskaya’s departure from the Olympic Village in August 2021. The 63-year-old coach will not be allowed to work in track and field until February 2029.
Tsimanouskaya endured a frightening ordeal towards the end of the Tokyo Summer Games. She turned to social media to express her confusion about being selected for the 4×400 relay despite lacking prior knowledge or experience in the event, all amidst doping concerns surrounding the Belarusian track team.
Subsequently, team coaches decided to send her back to Belarus, where she faced backlash from state-run media due to her dissent against the government of President Alexander Lukashenko. Lukashenko’s administration had been under scrutiny for cracking down on dissent following his disputed re-election.
Despite attempts by Belarusian officials to return Tsimanouskaya to Minsk, she sought help from Japanese police at Haneda Airport. With the assistance of authorities, she found refuge in Poland’s embassy in Tokyo and was later granted a humanitarian visa to travel to Poland.
In response to the incident, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) revoked Moisevich’s Olympic credentials four days after the event. Tsimanouskaya’s recordings of conversations with Moisevich served as crucial evidence during the disciplinary proceedings.
The Athletics Integrity Unit stressed the importance of ensuring athletes compete in a harassment-free environment, emphasizing the paramount importance of athletes’ dignity.
Tsimanouskaya, now aged 27, has been cleared to compete for Poland and participated in the world championships. She represented Poland in various events, including the 100 meters, 200 meters, and the 4×100 relay, showcasing her talent and resilience on the track.
Looking ahead, Tsimanouskaya is a contender to represent her new home nation at the Paris Olympics, with track and field events scheduled to begin on August 1 at the iconic Stade de France. Her journey from adversity in Tokyo to potential Olympic success in Paris underscores the resilience and determination of athletes amidst challenging circumstances.
