KUALA LUMPUR – Denmark’s mixed doubles player Mathias Christiansen has withdrawn from the badminton event at the Paris Olympics due to an anti-doping violation regarding the athlete’s whereabouts.
Christiansen made errors in three of his “whereabouts” reports, risking a penalty and prompting his decision to step down.
Christiansen and his partner Alexandra Bøje will miss the Olympics, a loss he deeply regrets, reported Badminton Europe.
“I’m devastated that my carelessness caused us to miss what should have been a highlight of our careers. I don’t want to risk creating unnecessary noise for our team, so I have chosen to withdraw,” said Christiansen.
Badminton Denmark’s head of sport, Jens Meibom, supported the decision.
“Participating with this issue hanging over him would be a major disruption. Going to the Olympics without Mathias and Alexandra is a shame, but ultimately the right decision,” said Meibom.
Christiansen is currently awaiting Anti-Doping Danmark’s decision on whether to refer the case to the Doping Tribunal, which will determine any potential sanctions.
As the case unfolds, his focus is on finding “peace and quiet” to recuperate and lay the groundwork for his future in badminton. – July 17, 2024