Van Gelder, 33, qualified for the finals of the rings competition Saturday and celebrated by leaving the athletes village before returning in the wee hours of Sunday morning.
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He has paid a heavy price for his venture out, though, with the Dutch team barring him from competing in the remainder of the Games.
“It’s been a very difficult decision for us to take. It’s terrible for Yuri, but this behavior is unacceptable,” Netherlands chef de mission Maurits Hendriks said via a statement on the gymnastic team’s official website.
“That [behavior] does not belong to participation in the Olympics or any sport event whatsoever.
“In sporting terms it is a loss, but with such a breach of the values of the team, we have no other choice. We stand for excellence and respect for all agreements and rules.”
