Body of Olympic sprinter found in forest

The body of Belarussian Olympic sprinter Yulia Balykina has been found covered in plastic wrap in a forest, a spokesman for investigators says.

Balykina, 31, was national Belarus champion on several occasions and took part in the 100m and 4x100m relay at the 2012 London Olympic Games, before picking up a two-year ban for doping in 2013.

Recently training children, she had not been seen since October 28.

Authorities found her body near a village outside the Belarussian capital Minsk, a spokesman for the country's Investigative Committee said on Monday.

"It was wrapped in plastic wrap and carefully covered with moss," spokesman Sergei Kabakovich told AFP, saying experts were working at the scene.

A 28-year-old man - apparently her boyfriend - has been charged with murder.

Authorities had earlier said they detained an acquaintance of Balykina's who confessed to the murder but said he had forgotten where he hid the body.

Kabakovich said the authorities had combed through an area of some 30 square kilometres before finding the body.