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VANCOUVER — Freelance journalist Laura Robinson investigates claims of discrimination, abuse and racism in sport, and writes stories which “the establishment does not want to hear, but need to be told,” says her lawyer, prominent Vancouver litigator Bryan Baynham.

Robinson took on an establishment sports figure three years ago, in print. She published a shocking article about John Furlong, best known for his role as president and chief executive of Vancouver’s 2010 Olympic Winter Games organizing committee. The story directed allegations of physical and verbal abuse at Furlong, made by people identified as former students at a Catholic elementary school, in remote Burns Lake, B.C.

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Reacting to her article, Furlong went too far and defamed her, Robinson claims. She’s now suing him in B.C. Supreme Court.

The defamation trial began Monday. It’s a curious case, especially since Furlong was first to file suit three years ago, alleging that Robinson defamed him.