Champion hammer thrower denies paying for taxi with gold medal after night out celebrating
Pole reportedly went out in Beijing to celebrate his second World Championship success but couldn't find his medal when he woke up
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A champion hammer thrower has denied reports that he paid for a taxi home with his gold medal after getting drunk during a night out celebrating his World Athletics Championships triumph.
According to Chinese media outlet Tencent, Poland's Pawel Fajdek woke up in Beijing the morning after his winning throw of 80.88 metres only to find he no longer had his precious gong.
The worried 26-year-old, who was the youngest defending gold medallist at the Championships this year, immediately contacted police to report the loss.
Officers reportedly set about helping him retrace his steps the night before and managed to trace the taxi driver - who told them Fajdek had willingly handed his medal over in payment.
Presumably after persuasion from police, the taxi driver returned the missing medal.
But Fajdek has now accused Chinese media of inventing the story.
Writing on his official Facebook page he said he was having photos taken with the taxi driver, who he said "probably drove off with the medal unknowingly."
He also criticised "stupid rumours" but said the Chinese media reaction "was logical."
"They wouldn't describe their own citizen as guilty because it's easier to blame it on the other side."
Polish journalists in Beijing to cover the championships reportedly confirmed that, having seen him at the restaurant, the athlete had "drunk a lot in the celebration party" to toast his success.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments