Belgian Powerlifter Sonita Muluh Sabotaged by Racially Motivated Spotter at Lithuania World Championships

At the International Powerlifting Federation World Championships in Druskininkai, Lithuania, Belgian athlete Sonita Muluh attempted a 334 kg squat that could have secured a gold medal. A Lithuanian spotter deliberately placed his knee under the bar, blocking the lift. The spotter later admitted on Instagram, "I am racist and I did it on purpose," prompting outrage.

Muluh’s coach, Kristof De Coninck, protested, but the federation did not grant her an additional attempt. The Lithuanian Powerlifting Federation responded by suspending the spotter for life. The incident has sparked a debate about racism and safety in the sport.

The sabotage was highlighted by a U.S. powerlifter’s video analysis and quickly spread across social media, drawing international attention to the unfair treatment of the world‑champion‑to‑be.