Danish mixed doubles badminton player Mathias Christiansen has withdrawn from the Paris Olympics, a decision that his national federation, Badminton Denmark, attributed to multiple unintentional errors in reporting his whereabouts. These errors were related to anti-doping regulations that require athletes to provide their location for the next three months.
Christiansen made three mistakes in his whereabouts reporting, which, if repeated, could lead to a violation and a possible quarantine. The Badminton World Federation confirmed Christiansen’s absence from the field and the removal of his team with partner Alexandra Boje from the mixed doubles draw.
Christiansen expressed his devastation over the situation in a statement released by Badminton Denmark, stating that his lack of care led to this outcome. He also emphasized his desire to avoid being a distraction.
Jens Meibom, head of sport at Badminton Denmark, assured that Christiansen’s errors were simply mistakes and that there was no evidence of deliberate misconduct.
The BWF confirmed that Christiansen and Boje would not be replaced in the mixed doubles competition, as qualifying regulations do not allow for substitutions after groups have been finalized. Group C will now proceed with three teams.
Christiansen and Boje previously competed in the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021, finishing third in their group. The badminton competition in Paris is set to begin on July 27.
