Israeli athletes removed from race amid 'safety concerns'
Israeli triathletes were withdrawn from the Europe Triathlon Cup in Derry following safety concerns raised by the event organizers. The decision was made after the Israeli National Federation requested the removal of their athletes due to potential protests.
Why it matters
This incident illustrates how geopolitical tensions are increasingly impacting international sporting events and the safety of participants.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The Europe Triathlon Cup is taking place on Saturday in Derry
A number of Israeli triathletes set to compete in Londonderry have been withdrawn from the race after organisers raised concerns about their participation.
The sport's governing body, World Triathlon, confirmed on Thursday it had been asked by the Israeli National Federation to "remove all the Israeli athletes entered" from Saturday's Europe Triathlon Cup.
The North West Triathlon Club (NWTC), who are organising the race, earlier said they could not support the Israeli athletes taking part.
The club added that it had concerns about "athlete and public safety" had the Israeli athletes competed on Saturday.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) told BBC News NI it had "become aware of potential protest activity in relation to the event".
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