Olympian sent home after 'complaining about not being allowed to compete with boyfriend' at 2024 Games
A member of Germany's Olympic athletics squad has reportedly been sent home from the Games after publicly complaining about team selection.
Luna Bulmahn, 24, was surprisingly snubbed for the 4x400m mixed relay, which took place last week.
Bulmahn, who also uses the name Luna Thiel, reacted with disappointment to her omission from the team, which included her partner Jean Paul Bredau.
"Yes, I am the second fastest 400-metre athlete on paper," Bulmahn wrote on Instagram.
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"No, I was not nominated for the mixed relay."
Bulmahn's place in the team was instead taken by Alica Schmidt.
But Germany could only finish seventh in their heat, failing to qualify for the final – with Schmidt particularly struggling in the race.
Netherlands went on to claim gold in the final, finishing ahead of the USA – with Team GB claiming bronze.
Speaking after Germany's disappointing heat, Bredau reacted angrily to the selection of Schmidt and suggested the omission of his partner impacted his performance.
"Not everything went perfectly beforehand. That's why I didn't have the energy," he said.
"A few decisions were made that not everyone approved. The DLV made it very clear: the fastest four should run. A different decision was made."
While Bredau later apologised for his comments, the German Athletics Association (DLV) issued a harsher punishment to Bulmahn – axing her from competing in the women's 4x400m relay.
The Metro has since reported that Bulmahn has also been sent home from the Games.
"The line-up was made with a view to a successful mixed relay team. The decision was made unanimously by the DLV coaching team and was explained to the athletes," a DLV statement read.
"With a time of 3:15.63 minutes, the German mixed relay team was eliminated in the preliminary round on Friday in seventh place.
"Jean Paul Bredau has apologised and will compete in the individual 400m race. Luna Bulmahn will not be used in the relay in Paris.
"Relays are a team sport. The athletes and coaches form this team. Success depends on good teamwork and mutual trust among all."
Schmidt says she was saddened by the controversy, saying: "There were disagreements beforehand. I have to say, we are a team.
"We should stick together. We should trust what the coaches decide and be mentally ready accordingly.
"Everyone prepares for this for three years. And if you stand here and don't fully support the relay team – I find that difficult."
Bredau failed to make the semi-finals of the men's 400m competition after coming third in the fourth repechage heat on Monday.
Meanwhile, the women's 4x400m relay will take place on Thursday morning, with the medal race to be held on Friday night.
Rory O'Callaghan