Sonita Muluh, a powerlifting champion of Cameroonian descent, says she no longer feels safe while competing. The issue follows her disqualification from a June championship in Lithuania, where an event spotter named Ernestas Kusinas made contact with her weights using his knee during a record-breaking 334.5kg squat attempt. Although initially perceived as an accidental technical error, the situation escalated when Kusinas posted on Instagram claiming his actions were intentional and racially motivated.
Lithuanian authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the matter, which carries a potential two-year prison sentence. While Kusinas claims his social media post was merely a sarcastic response to earlier accusations, the Lithuanian Powerlifting Federation has issued him a permanent ban. Muluh criticized the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) for its delayed response and failure to ensure the safety of athletes through proper volunteer vetting.
Muluh noted that she often feels unwelcome at international events and highlighted a broader issue of discrimination faced by black athletes in the sport. The IPF has since stated it condemns all forms of racism and intends to review its recruitment and oversight processes for event volunteers to prevent future incidents.
