Egyptian Cyclist Disqualified from Paris Olympics Amid Controversy

Shahd Saied, an Egyptian cyclist, was disqualified from the Paris Olympics following a social media backlash over a video showing her allegedly knocking a competitor off her bicycle during a national championship. The incident led to a one-year ban. The Egyptian Cycling Federation initially named her for the games, but the local Olympic committee later ruled her ineligible.

An Egyptian cyclist was disqualified from the Paris Olympics on Sunday by the local Olympic committee after her selection caused a social media backlash stemming from a video that appeared to show her knocking a competitor off her bicycle months ago.

During the national championship in April, a video showed Shahd Saied colliding with one of her challengers, Ganna Eliwa, pushing her to the ground before racing ahead. Eliwa accused Saied of a deliberate attack and said she suffered concussion, a broken collarbone, bruises and temporary loss of memory. Saied insisted the incident was an accident but was handed a one-year ban from local competition.

The Egyptian Cycling Federation raised eyebrows on Tuesday when it named her for the Paris Games, saying she had qualified prior to the incident. Many Egyptians expressed anger and embarrassment, accusing the federation of disregarding sportsmanship. After the country's sports ministry asked for a review of the decision, the Olympic Committee ruled on Sunday that the local ban made her ineligible for international competitions. Saied had, however, already told a local TV host she was retiring, stating, 'I'm not going to bike anymore. If they don't want me to represent Egypt, fine, I won't go to the Olympiad.'

(With inputs from agencies.)