Ukrainian skier Bogdana Matsotska has decided to leave the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi following violence in her home country.
International Olympics Committee spokesman Mark Adams and the Ukrainian Olympic organising committee have been in constant contact since anti-government protesters and police in Kiev clashed this week, leaving at least 28 people dead and hundreds injured.
Ukraine's committee are hoping that their athletes remain in Russia to show unity within the camp, but 24-year-old Matsotska has decided to return home.
In a statement on her Facebook page, she said: "In solidarity with the fighters on the barricades of the Maidan [Independence Square], and as a protest against the criminal actions made toward the protesters, the irresponsibility of the president and his lackey government, I refuse further performance at the Olympic Games in Sochi 2014.
"My father and I are extremely angry at President Viktor Yanukovych's latest actions, who instead of resolving the conflict through negotiations [which we had hoped he would do when we left for Sochi], has drenched the last hopes of the nation in blood.
"Glory to Ukraine and its Heroes!"
Matsotska finished 27th in the super-G event last week before placing 45th in the giant slalom on Tuesday.
Joe McPhee
