A powerlifting competition in Lithuania was marred by controversy when a spotter intentionally interfered with a Black athlete’s world record attempt, later claiming responsibility in a shocking online post. The spotter, Ernesta Kusiunas, has been banned for life from the sport and is facing a police investigation in the UK, with potential jail time for hate speech.
Incident Details Emerge
The incident occurred in June during the 2026 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Classic Championships held in Lithuania. Sonita Mulu, a Belgian athlete representing her nation, was attempting a 334.5kg (737.4 lbs) squat, a potential world record. Kusiunas was assigned as Mulu’s spotter, a role crucial for athlete safety during heavy lifts.
Spotters in powerlifting are responsible for ensuring the athlete’s well-being by intervening if a lifter loses control of the barbell, fails a lift, or becomes unstable. Their primary function is to prevent serious injury. However, video footage clearly shows Kusiunas deliberately placing her knee under the barbell while Mulu was in the process of the lift, even though Mulu was not in any apparent danger.
This unauthorized interference caused Mulu’s lift to be invalidated by the judges. Initially, the situation was treated as a potential mistake. Mulu herself initially showed understanding, stating that such errors can happen. However, the narrative took a disturbing turn when Kusiunas posted a comment online that sent shockwaves through the powerlifting community.
Shocking Confession and Investigation
In the online post, Kusiunas declared, “I am a racist, and I did it deliberately because I hate trash like you.” This explicit admission of racist intent led the Lithuanian Powerlifting Federation to immediately report the incident to the authorities. A police investigation was launched, and Kusiunas was subsequently handed a lifetime ban from the IPF.
According to reports from the UK’s ‘The Sun’, Kusiunas could face up to two years in prison in the UK under laws pertaining to hate speech and inciting hatred. The gravity of her statement has prompted a serious legal response.
Kusiunas’s Shifting Defense
As the situation escalated and faced widespread condemnation, Kusiunas attempted to backtrack on her initial statement. She claimed the comment was made in a moment of anger and was not intended with malicious intent. She further asserted that the statement was meant to mock people who called her a racist, rather than being a genuine declaration of her beliefs.
Kusiunas also alleged that she had acted similarly in other competitions, not just against Mulu, but also against other athletes, due to being in a “tired state.” She suggested her actions were not solely targeted at Mulu because of her race, but rather a general interference stemming from her emotional state.
Evidence of Patterned Behavior
However, evidence has emerged suggesting that Kusiunas may have a pattern of interfering in competitions. Domantas Barauskas, president of the Lithuanian Powerlifting Federation, confirmed that footage exists showing Kusiunas interfering with the squat attempts of other athletes, including a white athlete from Sweden. This indicates that her actions might not have been isolated to the incident with Mulu.
Despite these claims of a “tired state” and general interference, the specific act of impeding Mulu’s world record attempt remains a focal point. Critics argue that sabotaging a record-breaking lift, especially when coupled with the explicit online confession, points to a deliberate and hateful motive. The lack of ambiguity in her social media post leaves little room for interpretation, according to many observers.
Consequences and Athlete’s Reaction
In response to the widespread backlash and criticism following her online confession, Kusiunas reportedly switched her social media accounts to private. The Lithuanian Powerlifting Federation’s swift decision to impose a lifetime ban underscores the severity with which they view her actions and statements.
Sonita Mulu, the athlete whose record attempt was thwarted, expressed the deep emotional impact of the event. She stated, “I have experienced racism in many ways, but this was a new form. Now, I will be suspicious of every spotter next to me, and I will question my own safety.” Mulu concluded by expressing her sincere gratitude to all the spotters who have always protected her without regard to her skin color.
The case highlights significant issues within the sporting world, including the need for robust anti-discrimination policies, effective safeguarding measures for athletes, and clear protocols for handling incidents of unsportsmanlike conduct and hate speech. The ongoing investigation and potential legal repercussions for Kusiunas serve as a stark reminder of the serious consequences that can follow acts of racism and malice.
