Athlete hits out at Olympics after girlfriend wasn’t allowed to race alongside him
Kya Buller
Featured Image Credit: Patrick Smith/Getty Images/Instagram/@lunaa.thiel
German athlete Luna Bulmahn has been axed from the 2024 Paris Olympics after making public complaints due to not being able to race alongside her boyfriend as part of the relay team - now, he's hit out at the decision.
After Bulmahn, a highly talented athlete, was snubbed for the 4x400m mixed relay to the shock of many, she and her boyfriend, fellow athlete Jean Paul Bredau, were unable to hide their emotions.
Taking to Instagram, Bulmahn wrote: "Yes, I am the second fastest 400-meter athlete on paper.
"No, I was not nominated for the mixed relay."
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Bulmahn was surprisingly replaced by Alica Schmidt for the Olympic race.
Ultimately, Germany didn't perform well - finishing seventh in the race.
Team GB on the other hand took home bronze in the final.
Bredau took the opportunity to partially blame his girlfriend's absence for the shocking result.
He said: "Not everything went perfectly beforehand. That’s why I didn’t have the energy.
"A few decisions were made that not everyone approved. The DLV (Germany’s Athletics Association) made it very clear: the fastest four should run. A different decision was made."
He went on to apologise for his remarks, and was ultimately allowed to carry on racing for Germany in Paris.
However, the treatment of Bulmahn was much more harsh.
She was dropped from the women’s 4x400m relay as punishment, and it has been reported further that she's been sent packing from the Games.
Prior to the drama, Bredau had shared an Instagram post dedicated to Bulmahn, writing: "We are going to the Olympics @paris2024. Sharing this journey with you is an absolute dream come true. can’t wait to make memories that last for a lifetime."
Following the decisions on both of the athletes' 2024 Olympic futures, the DLV stated: "‘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.
"Jean Paul Bredau has apologised and will compete in the individual 400m race. Luna Bulmahn will not be used in the relay in Paris."
They concluded: "Relays are a team sport. The athletes and coaches form this team. Success depends on good teamwork and mutual trust among all."
Schmidt, who replaced Bulmahn in the mixed relay, has also spoken out.
She said: "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."