LAUSANNE, Switzerland: Triathlon’s governing body has joined an investigation into the death of a South Korean competitor who was reportedly subjected to years of physical and mental abuse.
“World Triathlon is deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the death of ... Choi Suk-hyeon who, according to media reports, ‘took her own life after enduring years of abuse,’” the body said in a statement on Thursday.
“The World Triathlon safeguarding and anti-harassment group has also contacted the Korean federation to make sure that while the investigation is carried out, all Korean triathletes are protected and safe.”
The body has asked the South Korean Triathlon Federation and the South Korean Sports and Olympic Committee to share information.
Choi, who was 22, died last Friday. She was first picked in the national team in 2015, while still in high school. Her last major race was in October, when she finished the South Korean championship in 14th place.
The Korea Herald said on Thursday that Choi’s family said she filed criminal complaints in February against her coach, doctor and teammates on the Gyeongju city team. The Daegu District Prosecutors’ Office was investigating her death and claims.
She gave the same report in April to the national federation and Olympic committee. The family said Choi was frustrated by the lack of action.
Federation president Park Suk-won said in a statement they were “taking this case very seriously.”
The Olympic committee said it sent an inspector in April to check Choi’s claims.
Five public petitions on the website of the South Korean president’s office to look into the cause of Choi’s death had drawn more than 58,000 signatures on Thursday in less than 24 hours.
Investigation sought into death of Korean triathlete who claimed abuse
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Investigation sought into death of Korean triathlete who claimed abuse
- Choi Suk-hyeon took her own life after enduring years of abuse, the World Triathlon claims
Barcelona reach quarter-finals of Copa del Rey with 2-0 win
- The Spanish FA will conduct the quarter-final draw on Monday, with ties scheduled for February 3-5
Second-half goals from Ferran Torres and Lamine Yamal gave Barcelona a hard-fought 2-0 victory over second-tier leaders Racing Santander in the Copa del Rey on Thursday, sending them into the quarter-finals.
In a tightly contested match, the breakthrough came in the 66th minute when Torres timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and latched onto a through ball before rounding goalkeeper Jokin Ezkieta and finishing into an empty net.
Deep in stoppage time, after Racing’s Manex Lozano missed a sitter from close range, Barcelona didn’t waste the chance to put the game to bed with Yamal finishing a quick counter attack.
Barcelona join Athletic Bilbao, Alaves, Albacete, Atletico Madrid, Real Betis, Real Sociedad and Valencia in the last eight. The Spanish FA will conduct the quarter-final draw on Monday, with ties scheduled for February 3-5.
Determined to avoid a similar fate to Real Madrid, who were stunned by lower-league Albacete on Wednesday, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick fielded a near full-strength team at El Sardinero Stadium.
The visitors dominated possession early on but found Racing to be resolute opponents. Dani Olmo wasted a golden chance, while Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia reacted smartly to deny Racing’s Camara Suleiman in a lively opening half.
After Torres scored the opener in the 66th minute, Ezkieta made successive superb saves late on, denying Fermin Lopez and substitute Robert Lewandowski from close range in the 80th minute, keeping Racing’s hopes alive.
The hosts thought they had equalized twice in the dying moments, only for both goals to be ruled out for offside.
Racing substitute Lozano had a golden chance to equalize, sprinting forward on a counter-attack. However, he opted to shoot from close range rather than pass to an unmarked teammate, allowing Garcia to make a save.
Barcelona punished the missed opportunity in the very next play. Raphinha’s low cross found Yamal, who slotted home to seal the win and Barcelona’s progression into the final eight.
