Now Reading: Racist Spotter Admits Interfering With Muluh’s Record Squat Attempt
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Racist Spotter Admits Interfering With Muluh’s Record Squat Attempt
Belgian powerlifter Sonita Muluh’s 334.5kg squat attempt at the 2026 World Powerlifting Championships in Lithuania was ruled unsuccessful after spotter Ernestas Kusinas touched the bar with his knee. Five weeks later, a…
The Story in Brief
Belgian powerlifter Sonita Muluh’s 334.5kg squat attempt at the 2026 World Powerlifting Championships in Lithuania was ruled unsuccessful after spotter Ernestas Kusinas touched the bar with his knee. Five weeks later, a deleted Instagram post attributed to Kusinas appeared to say he interfered deliberately because he was racist. The post led to a criminal investigation in Lithuania and disciplinary action, including a lifetime ban, by the Lithuanian Powerlifting Federation.
Kusinas told Reuters the post was sarcasm written in anger after an accusation of racism. He also said fatigue caused accidental interference with several athletes. Muluh told BBC Sport she felt unsafe and believed the federation had failed to protect competitors. Police are examining both the post and the competition incident. The alleged offence carries a maximum two-year prison term.
The Indian Opinion
Claims that this was proven racial sabotage should wait for the police inquiry, but calling the message a joke does not erase its effect or excuse poor spotting around a 334.5kg load. The wider claim that one incident proves every international competition is unsafe is also too broad. Organisers should publish the inquiry’s findings, spotting protocols and disciplinary reasoning. The key test is whether future officials face proper screening, training and supervision before standing behind athletes under extreme weight.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
