Why Mathias Christiansen has withdrawn from Paris Olympics 2024

Alexendra Boje-Mathias Christiansen was placed in Group C in mixed doubles draw.

Denmark’s Mathias Christiansen has withdrawn from the badminton mixed doubles event at Paris Olympics 2024, the BWF confirmed on Wednesday (July 17). Ranked World No. #11, Christiansen was originally scheduled to compete in the mixed doubles event with Alexandra Boje.

The pair were drawn in Group C alongside fourth seeded Japanese duo Yuta Watanabe/Arisa Higashino, Chinese Taipei’s Ye Hong Wei/Lee Chia Hsin and Tang Chun Man/Tse Ying Suet of Hong Kong.

Christiansen, 30, has now withdrawn as he had unintentionally fallen foul of not correctly reporting his whereabouts on three occasions, which could earn him a penalty under anti-doping rules. Athletes are required to disclose their whereabouts daily in the months leading up to the Games.

Mathias said he was gutted by this situation and went on to add, “Devastated that my carelessness and sloppiness cost us arguably what should have been one of the highlights of our careers. I am most gutted that it also means Alexandra will not go to the Olympics since we both have trained so hard for such a long time—both with the urge to line up in Paris.”

Also Read: Paris Olympics 2024 Badminton Draw: Full list of groups

He explained further, “I don’t want to risk that my participation in the Olympics creates unnecessary noise, which can also be disturbing for our good colleagues on the national team and the other Olympic athletes, and therefore I have chosen to withdraw.”

Higher officials from Badminton Denmark and the National Olympic Committee of Denmark, have sympathy and understanding for his decision. Jens Meibom, head of Sport at Badminton Denmark, said “It’s an incredibly unfortunate situation that Mathias has put himself in, and at the worst possible time. We recognize the rules which apply in this area, and that Mathias will most probably be suspended.

“But with our knowledge of the entire process and Mathias in general, we are convinced that this is simply a case of him unintentionally failing to register his whereabouts correctly.”

Jens Meibom further continued, “We believe it is highly responsible and correct that Mathias has decided to withdraw from the Olympics. If there is to be a case like this hanging over his head during the Olympics, it will be a big disturbance for Mathias and Alexandra, their badminton colleagues, and the rest of the Danish delegation to the Olympics. To go to the Olympics without Mathias and Alexandra is a shame, but after all the right decision.”

DIF’s president, Morten Mølholm Hansen, stated, “We understand the incredibly difficult situation that Mathias and Alexandra are going through right now. We are more than sad to be losing our strong mixed doubles team for the Paris Games, but we think Mathias has made the right decision, also with a view to the other athletes.”

On the whole, Mathias Christiansen still looked optimistically towards making a strong comeback in his badminton career after everything gets cleared regarding the case. “Right now, I’m waiting to see what happens with the case. As long as it’s ongoing, I really just want peace and quiet to recover and be able to create the best possible foundation for my future badminton career,” he stated.

“We hope and do not want that this shall be the last career for Mathias, and after the case is closed, and the possible suspension to him is lifted, are we open and willing to resume our full cooperation with Mathias,” affirmed Badminton Denmark.

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As a result of his withdrawal, the Danish pair have now been removed from Group C in the mixed doubles draw. Since the IOC has no provision for a replacement pair to be added once the group stage draw has taken place, the mixed doubles draw will now have 15 pairs with Group C being a group of three pairs.

Badminton events at the Paris Olympics 2024 will run from July 27 to August 5 at the Porte De La Chapelle Arena.

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