By the Palestine Chronicle Staff
Lebanese runner Mazen Kreim withdrew Thursday from the World Masters Athletics 200-meter competition after being placed in a group that included an Israeli runner.
Kreim was scheduled to compete in the World Masters Athletics Championships in Torun, Poland, from March 26 to April 1. However, he decided to withdraw to support the Palestinian cause.
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Kreim announced his decision on Facebook, saying that “shaking hands with enemies means recognizing them.”
The athlete told the Lebanon-based Al-Mayadeen TV channel that he considers his withdrawal from the championship a “victory”.
In recent years, an increasing number of athletes have avoided facing their Israeli opponents in international competitions to support the Palestinian cause.
(The Palestine Chronicle)
