AFP/Minsk


The body of Belarussian Olympic sprinter Yulia Balykina has been found covered in plastic wrap in a forest, a spokesman for investigators said yesterday.
Balykina, 31, was national Belarus champion on several occasions and took part in the 100m and 4x100m relay at the 2012 London Olympic Games, before picking up a two-year ban for doping in 2013.
Balykina tested positive for drostanolone in an out-of-competition doping test in June 2013. Her suspension ended in July and she had been working as a coach since. She had not been seen since October 28.
Authorities found her body near a village outside the Belarussian capital Minsk, a spokesman for the country’s Investigative Committee said. “It was wrapped in plastic wrap and carefully covered with moss,” spokesman Sergei Kabakovich told AFP, saying experts were working at the scene.
A 28-year-old man—apparently her boyfriend—has been charged with murder. A suspect, identified only as Dmitry V., has been in custody on suspicion of murder. Investigators have said the pair shared an apartment and were in a relationship but broke up several months ago.
Authorities had earlier said they detained an acquaintance of Balykina’s who confessed to the murder but said he had forgotten where he hid the body.
Kabakovich said the authorities had combed through an area of some 30 square kilometres before finding the body.