Belgian powerlifter Sonita Muluh lost her chance at a World Championship gold medal after a spotter deliberately sabotaged her squat attempt.
The incident occurred on June 21, 2026, in Druskininkai, Lithuania.
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Deliberate Interference
Muluh, a 29-year-old former world champion and two-time European champion, was attempting a 334-kilogram squat. She had already successfully lifted 321.5 kilograms earlier in the competition.
During the attempt, spotter Ernestas Kusinas left his knee in place, interfering with the movement. Judges declared the lift invalid.
Muluh's coach requested a retry from the jury, but the appeal was denied.
Confession on Social Media
The incident gained public attention after American powerlifter Joe Sullivan posted a video analysis on social media questioning the execution of the lift.
Kusinas responded directly in the comment section, confessing to intentional sabotage.
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"I am a racist and I did it on purpose, because I hate you, pieces of shit," wrote Kusinas.
Lifetime Ban Issued
The Lithuanian Powerlifting Federation subsequently issued a lifetime ban against Kusinas.
Muluh expressed shock over the deliberate act, stating that while she faces racism in various forms, she had never experienced it in this manner on the competition floor.
"I defended this man, despite the frustration and pain of a ruined World Championship," wrote Muluh on Facebook.
"In the hope that he would not receive hateful reactions. I thought it was a mistake.
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To now have to read this from that same person is heartbreaking."
