Belarus sprinter says she would have faced punishment at home

She said she hopes to continue her career, but for now her safety remains a priority, and she plans to seek refuge in Europe

In this photo taken from video, Belarus Olympic sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya speaks during a video interview with the Associated Press in Japan, Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021. Belarus sprinter tells AP in video interview she hopes to continue her career, but for now safety remains a priority. (AP Photo/Daniel Kozin)

Belarusian Olympic sprinter Krystsina Tsimanouskaya has said officials from her home country “made it clear” she would face punishment if she returned to Belarus, after accusing team officials of trying to force her to leave the Tokyo Games early.

Tsimanouskaya, who had criticised the management of her team on social media, said officials hustled her to the airport in Japan and tried to put her on a plane back to Belarus, where the autocratic government has relentlessly stifled dissent and criticism.