Christiansen says that the reason for the decision to withdraw was the mistakes he made in providing whereabouts information related to doping testing.
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Danish badminton player Mathias Christiansen withdraws from the Paris Olympics. The Danish Badminton Association said about it in its announcement.
As the reason for the decision to withdraw, the multiple medalist of the prestigious competition says the mistakes he made in providing whereabouts information related to doping testing.
Anti-doping regulations oblige athletes to report their whereabouts daily for three months before the Olympics. Three warnings in 12 months can lead to a ban.
The badminton player justifies his decision in a press release from the Danish Badminton Association, saying that he does not want to risk that his participation will cause an uproar that will disturb other athletes as well.
Christiansen was scheduled to play in mixed doubles together Alexandra Bøjen with, but also Bøje will miss the tournament.
– I am broken, because due to my carelessness and carelessness, we miss what should have been one of the highlights of our career. I’m most heartbroken that this also means Alexandra won’t be going to the Olympics. We have both been training intensively and looking forward to competing in Paris, says Christiansen.
Next, Christiansen is waiting to see if the country’s Anti-Doping Commission will report the matter to the international anti-doping group, which can impose possible further sanctions.
According to the release, the chairman of the Danish Badminton Association Jens Meibom considers Christiansen’s decision responsible and correct, but believes that the mistakes are unintentional.
– It is an incredibly unfortunate situation that Mathias has found himself in at the worst possible time. We understand the applicable rules and the fact that he will likely be suspended, Meibom commented in the release.