“I thought I'd get hated on” - Toksanbayeva on stripped Asian Games gold
The 21-year-old Kazakhstani won the race walk marathon but was ultimately left without a medal.
Her result was annulled because her footwear was not on the list of approved equipment.
"I have a whole sporting life ahead of me, and next year I’m going for a World Championship medal. When I found out what happened, I was in our team tent. I was having cramps. I was in terrible pain, and a doctor was with me. I screamed... At that moment, I had awful thoughts: that everyone would turn away from me, that I would be hated," she said at the airport upon her return to Almaty.
However, the athlete emphasized that in reality, she received an outpouring of support from all over the world.
"The Almighty made it so that I was given wings in the form of support, and not just from Kazakhstan. People are writing to me from Mexico, from China, and everyone is on my side. I’m in shock. I’ve only slept six hours over these past few days. I’m very worried," she shared.
It should be noted that today the National Olympic Committee of Kazakhstan, responding to a request from Tengri Sport, explained the specifics of the Asian Games regulations and commented on who bears responsibility for the annulment of Toksanbayeva's result.
Yasmina arrived in Almaty today after competing in the Asian Games. The competitions in Japan will continue until October 4.
View this post on Instagram
Post from Qazaq Athletics ???????? (@qazathletics)
Kazakhstan stripped of Asian Games gold over sneakers: Who is responsible?