Police said it was safe to race, says Israel coach
The Israeli Triathlon Association coach claims that police in Northern Ireland provided assurances that it was safe for Israeli athletes to compete before they were withdrawn from a race. The Police Service of Northern Ireland denies providing security advice or being involved in the event's organization.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the intersection of international geopolitical tensions and the safety of athletes in global sporting events.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Israeli Triathlon Association Lior Cohen says there were no issues about competing until two days before the event Israeli athletes who were withdrawn from a race in Londonderry had been given assurances from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) that it was safe to take part, the national team coach has said.
The four athletes were withdrawn from the Europe Triathlon Cup on Thursday after local organisers raised possible safety concerns about their participation.
Lior Cohen, the Israeli Triathlon Association's high performance director and national coach, said that had come as "a total surprise" to him and the four athletes due to compete.
On Monday, a PSNI spokeswoman said they did not provide any security advice around the event and were not involved in organising it.
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