Powerlifting Controversy: Sonita Muluh Claims Racially Motivated Disqualification Leaves Her Feeling Unsafe

Belgian powerlifter Sonita Muluh has raised serious allegations regarding her disqualification from a recent competition, claiming that a racially motivated act contributed to her feeling unsafe during events. The incident occurred at the Powerlifting Championships in Lithuania in June, where Muluh was attempting a record squat of 334.5 kg. During her lift, Ernestas Kusinas, a spotter responsible for ensuring the safety and validity of the attempt, allegedly interfered by touching the weights with his knee.

Disqualification and Allegations of Racism

Following the lift, Muluh was disqualified and denied the opportunity to reattempt due to a separate technical infringement ruled by the judges. However, the situation escalated when Kusinas later posted on Instagram, stating, “I am racist, and I did it intentionally.” This statement prompted a criminal investigation by Lithuanian authorities, focusing on both the Instagram message and the events that transpired during the championship. A police spokesperson indicated that the investigation could lead to a maximum penalty of two years in prison.

Kusinas later clarified that his comment was made in anger after being accused of racism by an unidentified user, asserting it was meant as a mockery of the accusation rather than a confession. In response to the incident, the Lithuanian Powerlifting Federation has issued a lifetime ban against him, and his social media accounts have since been set to private.

Muluh’s Reaction and Concerns for Safety

Muluh expressed her shock upon discovering Kusinas’s comments five weeks after the event. She stated, “It’s shocking to wake up five weeks later and it’s all over the internet that he did it on purpose because of the colour of my skin.” She articulated her unease about competing alongside someone who had allegedly acted with such intent, emphasizing the risks involved in handling heavy weights.

Initially, Muluh refrained from blaming Kusinas, viewing the incident as a human error. She noted, “He did not reach out afterwards to apologise, but he is not obliged to. I thought it was a human mistake that cost me a lot on the day.” Despite her initial stance, she later expressed disappointment upon learning of Kusinas’s comments, which contradicted her belief that the incident was an honest mistake.

Calls for Accountability and Reform

At 29, Muluh has achieved significant recognition in the sport but feels that the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) has failed to protect her. She criticized the governing body for its lack of action until the incident gained media attention. “I feel like the federation needs to do background checks. If you are going to put my life in someone else’s hands, at least make sure that person is well equipped to be able to protect me or keep me from harm,” she stated.

Muluh further expressed her belief that Kusinas’s behavior was not an isolated incident but indicative of broader issues within the sport. She remarked, “Only now is he saying it was a joke. There’s nothing jokey about any of what he said. He put my life in danger.”

Broader Implications for Powerlifting

The incident has sparked discussions about the treatment of minority athletes in powerlifting. Muluh noted her discomfort at the event in Lithuania, stating, “I hope [the IPF] do things differently – that they consider the safety of athletes more and especially minority people.” She recounted experiences of feeling unwelcome and disrespected, including an incident in Poland where someone sneezed in her face at the airport.

She highlighted the need for a more inclusive environment within the sport, saying, “Powerlifting has been a very supportive niche sport, so far. But who is standing up for athletes against racism?” Muluh emphasized that many prominent figures in the sport have remained silent on the issue, while fellow black athletes have shown solidarity.

Official Responses and Future Actions

Kusinas, in a statement, claimed that his interference with Muluh’s lift was unintentional and attributed it to fatigue from his responsibilities at the event. The IPF has publicly condemned racism and discrimination, stating, “Such behaviour has no place within the IPF or the global powerlifting community.” They acknowledged the Lithuanian Powerlifting Federation’s swift action in banning Kusinas and expressed their commitment to improving the recruitment and oversight of volunteers at events.

In light of these events, the IPF has pledged to work with relevant commissions to enhance safety measures and ensure that all athletes can compete in a secure environment. The federation reiterated its dedication to equality, inclusion, and fair play, emphasizing that racism and hate have no place in the sport.

Following the incident, the Lithuanian Powerlifting Federation stated, “We reviewed available information relating to Ernestas Kusinas and were deeply shocked by the views and activities addressed publicly which contradict the principles we stand for.” They affirmed their responsibility in addressing this matter.

For further details, visit the source: BBC Sport.

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Published on 2026-08-05 18:32:00 • By the Editorial Desk