Editorial: We should all take a knee over the Olympic athlete protest crackdown
5 years ago

Editorial: We should all take a knee over the Olympic athlete protest crackdown

LA Times  

Among the many inspiring displays at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington is a statue of U.S. Olympic athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos thrusting their clenched fists into the air as they received their gold and bronze medals at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. For the record: An earlier version of this editorial incorrectly stated that the U.S. national hockey team’s “Miracle on Ice” victory over the Soviet team was in the 1984 Olympics. The IOC said the rule reflects its longstanding desire to insulate the international sports competition from controversy, and to not let political expressions steal the spotlight from “athletes’ performance, sport and the international unity and harmony that the Olympic movement seeks to advance.” So it will not allow “political messaging, including signs or armbands” nor “gestures of a political nature, like a hand gesture or kneeling.” Athletes will be able to raise issues in interviews with reporters and on social media, but not on the field or in the Olympic Village, nor during any Olympic ceremonies. Asked afterward whether North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s interest in the Olympics was little more than a charm offensive, IOC chief Thomas Bach said: “If this charm offensive leads to peace talks, I welcome every charm offensive.” In 1984 the IOC banned South Africa — and rightly so — because the white minority government refused to renounce apartheid.

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History of this topic

Olympics 2024: What are the rules on political protests and the punishments?
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Olympics 2024: What are the rules on political protests and the punishments?

The Independent  

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Rules on …

Athletes force a change in ban of Russians at Paralympics
2 years, 10 months ago

Athletes force a change in ban of Russians at Paralympics

Associated Press  

Athletes around the world cheered when leaders of the Paralympics booted Russia from the Games. “It is because of the athletes,” said Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych, who has been living about 100 miles from Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv, fearful of an attack by Russian troops who invaded the country earlier this week. Rob Koehler, the head of the advocacy …

Don't penalise athletes for politics- U.S. Olympian Ruggiero
3 years, 1 month ago

Don't penalise athletes for politics- U.S. Olympian Ruggiero

The Hindu  

Four-time Olympian Angela Ruggiero greeted the announcement of the U.S. diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Games with relief on Monday, delighted that there was no suggestion athletes should also stay away. "President Biden and others, obviously, wanted to make a statement and use the levers that they had without affecting the athletes, so I think that's what we saw …

Despite the IOC’s fears, the Tokyo Olympics didn’t become the Protest Games
3 years, 5 months ago

Despite the IOC’s fears, the Tokyo Olympics didn’t become the Protest Games

LA Times  

U.S. shot putter Raven Saunders gestures on the podium after winning the silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. “People say, ‘Oh, you’re just an athlete’ but we’re not just athletes, we’re people too,” gymnast Simone Biles said. The gesture, she told reporters, represented “the intersection of where all people who are oppressed meet.” The IOC quickly launched an investigation, but …

EXPLAINER: What’s the history of the Olympics protest rule?
3 years, 5 months ago

EXPLAINER: What’s the history of the Olympics protest rule?

Associated Press  

TOKYO — The simple act of taking a knee felt like something more monumental when it happened on Olympic soccer pitches in Japan on the opening night of action. The Olympic rule banning such demonstrations at the Games has been hotly debated and contested for decades, and those issues reached a flashpoint over the past two years. Rule 50 of …

Olympians Take A Knee Against Racism, Under New Policy Allowing Protests
3 years, 5 months ago

Olympians Take A Knee Against Racism, Under New Policy Allowing Protests

NPR  

Olympians Take A Knee Against Racism, Under New Policy Allowing Protests Enlarge this image toggle caption Noriko Hayashi/Bloomberg via Getty Images Noriko Hayashi/Bloomberg via Getty Images British women's soccer players took a knee on the first day of competition at the Tokyo Olympics on Wednesday, in a protest against discrimination and racism that was quickly reciprocated by their opponents from …

IOC president Bach warns athletes against 'political demonstrations' on podiums
3 years, 5 months ago

IOC president Bach warns athletes against 'political demonstrations' on podiums

The Hindu  

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said on Friday that athletes should not make "political demonstrations" or express their private views on the medal podium at the Tokyo Games. READ: Olympics are ‘on the wrong side of history’ when it comes to free speech "The podium and the medal ceremonies are not made... for a political or other demonstration," Bach …

Tokyo Olympics: Britain women's football team to take a knee before kick-off
3 years, 6 months ago

Tokyo Olympics: Britain women's football team to take a knee before kick-off

The Hindu  

The women’s football team of Great Britain plans to take a knee before kick-off at the Tokyo Olympics. FOLLOW OUR COVERAGE OF TOKYO GAMES “The players and staff have been taking the knee at club and international level for over a year now,” Britain coach Hege Riise said, “and we were all united in our decision to continue doing whatever …

Tommie Smith believes the time is right for athletes to protest at Tokyo Olympics
3 years, 6 months ago

Tommie Smith believes the time is right for athletes to protest at Tokyo Olympics

LA Times  

U.S. athletes Tommie Smith, top center, and John Carlos, top right, extend their gloved fists skyward during the playing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the Olympic Games in Mexico City in 1968. And that puts the IOC at odds with U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, which last year issued a four-page statement that said Rule 50 of the IOC charter, …

Olympics are ‘on the wrong side of history’ when it comes to free speech
3 years, 6 months ago

Olympics are ‘on the wrong side of history’ when it comes to free speech

The Hindu  

An important debate is brewing about free speech at the Olympics. After years of the International Olympic Committee restricting the free expression of athletes at the Games, some prominent athletes are calling for the unlimited right to speak freely — including the right to protest. The advocates include Canadian decathlete Damien Warner, an Olympic bronze medallist in 2016, who has …

Tokyo Olympics: IOC gives athletes more scope for protest
3 years, 6 months ago

Tokyo Olympics: IOC gives athletes more scope for protest

The Hindu  

The IOC finally relented on Friday to let Olympic athletes make gestures of protest in their field of play at the Tokyo Games. The latest guidance appears to let athletes copy the iconic Black Power raised fist gestures of American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. READ: Tokyo 2020 Olympics Complete Schedule of Games …

IOC gives athletes more scope for protest at Tokyo Olympics
3 years, 6 months ago

IOC gives athletes more scope for protest at Tokyo Olympics

Associated Press  

GENEVA — The IOC finally relented on Friday to let Olympic athletes make gestures of protest in their field of play at the Tokyo Games. The latest guidance appears to let athletes copy the iconic Black Power raised fist gestures of American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Gestures will now be allowed in …

Athletes Have a Right to Protest, Says Olympic Champion Adam Peaty
3 years, 8 months ago

Athletes Have a Right to Protest, Says Olympic Champion Adam Peaty

News 18  

Athletes have a right to express their opinions and take a stance without being punished, Britain’s Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty said on Tuesday in response to a ban on protests during the Tokyo Games. But it’s everything with balance.” Peaty cited the possible example of a gold medal winner taking the opportunity to protest on the podium and taking …

Athletes have a right to protest, says Olympic champion Adam Peaty
3 years, 8 months ago

Athletes have a right to protest, says Olympic champion Adam Peaty

The Hindu  

Athletes have a right to express their opinions and take a stance without being punished, Britain's Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty said on Tuesday in response to a ban on protests during the Tokyo Games. Peaty cited the possible example of a gold medal winner taking the opportunity to protest on the podium and taking away attention from the silver …

EU Athletes concerned by IOC decision to maintain ban on protests
3 years, 8 months ago

EU Athletes concerned by IOC decision to maintain ban on protests

The Hindu  

The European elite athletes' body has expressed deep concern about the International Olympic Committee's decision to maintain a ban on competitors' protests at the Tokyo Olympics, saying it undermined their human rights. The IOC said on Wednesday it was retaining its Rule 50, which forbids any kind of "demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda" in venues and other Olympic …

IOC can't stop athletes taking a knee in Tokyo Olympics, says Britain's Callum Skinner
3 years, 8 months ago

IOC can't stop athletes taking a knee in Tokyo Olympics, says Britain's Callum Skinner

The Hindu  

Britain's Olympic track cycling gold medallist Callum Skinner said the International Olympic Committee would not be able to stop athletes protesting during this year's Tokyo Games. Against the backdrop of the 'Black Lives Matter' movement protesting racial injustice, however, there have been growing calls for a change to that rule that would allow athletes to protest. Skinner, who retired in …

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Protests and demonstrations banned at games as Rule 50 upheld
3 years, 8 months ago

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Protests and demonstrations banned at games as Rule 50 upheld

CNN  

CNN — The ban preventing athletes from protesting or demonstrating at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics has been upheld by the International Olympic Committee. According to the survey: “A clear majority of athletes said that it is not appropriate to demonstrate or express their views on the field of play, at official ceremonies or on the podium.” READ: Meet Ayesha McGowan, …

Raised fists, kneeling during anthem allowed at US Olympic trials
3 years, 9 months ago

Raised fists, kneeling during anthem allowed at US Olympic trials

The Hindu  

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee will not sanction athletes for raising their fists or kneeling during the national anthem at Olympic trials, previewing a contentious policy it expects to stick to when many of those same athletes head to Tokyo this summer. The USOPC released a nine-page document on Tuesday to offer guidance about the sort of "racial and …

Raised fists, kneeling during anthem OK at US Olympic trials
3 years, 9 months ago

Raised fists, kneeling during anthem OK at US Olympic trials

Associated Press  

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee will not sanction athletes for raising their fists or kneeling during the national anthem at Olympic trials, previewing a contentious policy it expects to stick to when many of those same athletes head to Tokyo this summer. The USOPC released a nine-page document Tuesday to offer guidance about the sort of “racial and social …

Listening to athletes, USOPC won’t punish Olympic protests
4 years, 1 month ago

Listening to athletes, USOPC won’t punish Olympic protests

Associated Press  

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee heeded calls from American athletes by announcing Thursday that it won’t sanction them for raising their fists or kneeling on the medals stand at next year’s Tokyo Games and beyond. IOC athletes chair Kirsty Coventry said many of those who have provided feedback to her commission “have also recognized the practical question of how …

U.S. Olympic leaders say American athletes won’t be punished for protests
4 years, 1 month ago

U.S. Olympic leaders say American athletes won’t be punished for protests

LA Times  

John Carlos, left, and Tommie Smith pose for a photo in front of statue that honors their iconic, black-gloved protest at the 1968 Olympic Games, on the campus of San Jose State University. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee heeded calls from American athletes, announcing Thursday that it won’t sanction them for raising their fists or kneeling on the medals …

Tokyo Olympics 2020: IOC chief Thomas Bach says Games cannot become 'marketplace of demonstrations'
4 years, 2 months ago

Tokyo Olympics 2020: IOC chief Thomas Bach says Games cannot become 'marketplace of demonstrations'

Firstpost  

World Athletics chief and newly enshrined IOC member Sebastian Coe has backed athletes’ right to “take the knee” on the Olympic podium, as long as it was done with “complete respect” for other competitors. London: Olympic chief Thomas Bach warned against allowing the Games to “descend into a marketplace of demonstrations” on Saturday after criticism of a rule banning protests …

Bach: Olympic Games cannot be 'marketplace of demonstrations' - Sports News - Sportstar
4 years, 2 months ago

Bach: Olympic Games cannot be 'marketplace of demonstrations' - Sports News - Sportstar

The Hindu  

International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said the Olympic Games are not about politics and must guard against becoming a “marketplace of demonstrations.” Against the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter movement to protest racial injustice, calls have increased this year for a change to Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which bans any form political protest during the Games. …

Coe supports athletes' right to take knee on Olympic podium
4 years, 3 months ago

Coe supports athletes' right to take knee on Olympic podium

The Independent  

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Dressed in …

P&G extends Olympic sponsorship till 2028, to focus on equality
4 years, 5 months ago

P&G extends Olympic sponsorship till 2028, to focus on equality

The Hindu  

Procter & Gamble will use its Olympic and Paralympic sponsorship to campaign for racial equality after extending its backing of the Games through 2028. READ | We have found a way to make it good for business, P&G chief brand officer Marc Pritchard said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. But IOC president Thomas Bach has said the …

Carlos, US athletes take stand to end Olympic protest rule
4 years, 6 months ago

Carlos, US athletes take stand to end Olympic protest rule

The Hindu  

John Carlos wants to abolish the rule that bans protests at the Olympics. The renowned Olympic protester has written a letter with an influential group of American athletes, calling on the IOC to put in place a new policy done in collaboration with athletes from across the globe. This month, with protests stemming from the killing of George Floyd spreading …

Carlos, US athletes take stand to end Olympic protest rule
4 years, 6 months ago

Carlos, US athletes take stand to end Olympic protest rule

Associated Press  

DENVER — John Carlos wants to abolish the rule that bans protests at the Olympics. “Carlos and Smith risked everything to stand for human rights and what they believed in, and they continue to inspire generation after generation to do the same,” the letter said. “It is time for the Olympic and Paralympic movement to honor their bravery rather than …

IOC's stance of banning athletes from taking a knee a 'clear breach of human rights', says Global Athlete
4 years, 7 months ago

IOC's stance of banning athletes from taking a knee a 'clear breach of human rights', says Global Athlete

Firstpost  

The stance of the IOC in potentially banning athletes who kneel in support of anti-racism protests is a breach of human rights, the Global Athlete movement said on Sunday. The stance of the International Olympic Committee in potentially banning athletes who kneel in support of anti-racism protests is a breach of human rights, the Global Athlete movement said on Sunday. …

US Olympic leaders open to challenging IOC rules restricting protests at the Games
4 years, 7 months ago

US Olympic leaders open to challenging IOC rules restricting protests at the Games

Firstpost  

The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee is open to challenging IOC rules restricting protests at the Olympics. The federation, in response to the nationwide protests following George Floyd’s killing, said it “stands with those who demand equality.” After that, CEO Sarah Hirshland announced the formation of an athletes’ working group that will, among other things, look into changing the IOC’s …

US Olympic leaders eye change on protests amid wary athletes
4 years, 7 months ago

US Olympic leaders eye change on protests amid wary athletes

Associated Press  

DENVER — The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee is open to challenging IOC rules restricting protests at the Olympics. The federation, in response to the nationwide protests following George Floyd’s killing, said it “stands with those who demand equality.” After that, CEO Sarah Hirshland announced the formation of an athletes’ working group that will, among other things, look into changing …

Commonwealth Games 2022: Athletes to be allowed to take the knee in protest, says Games chief
4 years, 7 months ago

Commonwealth Games 2022: Athletes to be allowed to take the knee in protest, says Games chief

Firstpost  

The International Olympic Committee confirmed athletes are still banned from protesting at the Olympic Games but Commonwealth Games organisers said they would respect people’s rights to voice their opinions. Athletes competing in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England will be allowed to take a knee in support of worldwide anti-racism movements, competition organisers said. Sport is no different,” Commonwealth …

IOC to open talks about easing protest ban at Olympics
4 years, 7 months ago

IOC to open talks about easing protest ban at Olympics

Associated Press  

GENEVA — Amid a global wave of demonstrations against racism, the IOC said Wednesday it would open talks that could let athletes make stronger protests at the Olympic Games. But the IOC’s public stance eased slightly on Wednesday when its president Thomas Bach said the in-house athlete committee would “explore different ways” opinions could be expressed during the games — …

USOPC forming group to look into Olympic protests
4 years, 7 months ago

USOPC forming group to look into Olympic protests

The Hindu  

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee is creating an athlete group that will look into loosening restrictions on protests at the games. CEO Sarah Hirshland tweeted the plans for a new group, which is being formed in response to George Floyd’s death last month and the worldwide protests that followed. The USOPC put out a statement last week signaling its …

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Protests or not, politics and the Games have always been intertwined
4 years, 11 months ago

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Protests or not, politics and the Games have always been intertwined

Firstpost  

Protests or not, politics and the Olympics have always been intertwined. As for that raised-fist salute that transformed them into Olympic icons, while also symbolising the power athletes possess for the short time they’re on their biggest stage — it’s still forbidden. The issue, always bubbling, surfaced last year when two US athletes — Gwen Berry and Race Imboden — …

IOC details rules on political protests at Olympics
5 years ago

IOC details rules on political protests at Olympics

Associated Press  

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — No taking a knee at the Olympics. “We needed clarity and they wanted clarity on the rules,” said Kirsty Coventry, chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, which oversaw the new three-page document. Athletes who break protest rules at the July 24-Aug. 9 Tokyo Games face three rounds of disciplinary action — by the IOC, a sport’s governing …

IOC details rules on political protests at Tokyo 2020 Olympics
5 years ago

IOC details rules on political protests at Tokyo 2020 Olympics

The Hindu  

No taking a knee at the Olympics. Athletes are prohibited by the Olympic Charter’s Rule 50 from taking a political stand in the field of play — like the raised fists by American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Games. “We needed clarity and they wanted clarity on the rules,” said Kirsty Coventry, chair of …

No kneeling, no raised fists: IOC details rules on political protests at Olympics
5 years ago

No kneeling, no raised fists: IOC details rules on political protests at Olympics

Daily Mail  

Athletes at the 2020 Tokyo Games will be prohibited from engaging in any political demonstrations, such as taking a knee or raising a fist, unless they are outside Olympic venues, such as the field of play or the medal ceremonies. The IOC clarified its rules on political demonstrations for the 2020 Tokyo Games at the press conference For years, athletes …

Olympic leaders get tough on athletes who protest at 2020 Tokyo Games
5 years ago

Olympic leaders get tough on athletes who protest at 2020 Tokyo Games

LA Times  

U.S. fencer Race Imboden takes a knee on the podium during the 2019 Pan-American Games. The International Olympic Committee issued a rules update that would prohibit such protests during the 2020 Tokyo Games. The International Olympic Committee issued the three-page supplement to its long-standing Rule 50 during a meeting between the executive board and the athletes’ commission in Lausanne, Switzerland, …

US athletes warned over Pan Am podium protests
5 years, 4 months ago

US athletes warned over Pan Am podium protests

The Hindu  

Two US athletes who staged podium protests at the recent Pan American Games have been reprimanded but will not face further punishment by United States Olympic chiefs, USA Today reported on Wednesday. READ | Fencer Race Imboden kneels on podium during American anthem Imboden took a knee during the playing of the US national anthem while Berry raised a clenched …

Pan American Games 2019: US athletes staging podium protests against US president Donald Trump let off with reprimand
5 years, 4 months ago

Pan American Games 2019: US athletes staging podium protests against US president Donald Trump let off with reprimand

Firstpost  

Two US athletes who staged podium protests at the recent Pan American Games have been reprimanded but will not face further punishment by United States Olympic chiefs, USA Today reported on Wednesday. Los Angeles: Two US athletes who staged podium protests at the recent Pan American Games have been reprimanded but will not face further punishment by United States Olympic …

Race Imboden, Gwen Berry Receive 12-Month Probations For Social Injustice Protests
5 years, 4 months ago

Race Imboden, Gwen Berry Receive 12-Month Probations For Social Injustice Protests

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Hammer thrower Gwen Berry and fencer Race Imboden have each been given a 12-month probation for protesting against various forms of injustice in the U.S. at the 2019 Pan American Games earlier this month in Lima, Peru. In letters sent to Berry and Imboden on Tuesday, Hirshland wrote that while the athletes’ determination to be active citizens …

Pan Am Games protesters each get 12 months of probation
5 years, 4 months ago

Pan Am Games protesters each get 12 months of probation

Associated Press  

DENVER — The letters went to the two protesters. The CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee sent letters of reprimand to hammer thrower Gwen Berry and fencer Race Imboden for protesting on the medals stand last week at the Pan American Games, but the 12-month probations that came with the letters also included a none-too-subtle signal for anyone …

Pan American Games: Podium no place for protests, says US softball gold medallist Monica Abbott
5 years, 5 months ago

Pan American Games: Podium no place for protests, says US softball gold medallist Monica Abbott

Firstpost  

Race Imboden and Gwen Berry have protested against issues in the US by taking the knee and raising the fist respectively during the Pan American Games. Lima: The Pan American Games medal podium is no place for politics, United States softball gold medallist Monica Abbott said on Sunday after two of her team mates used award ceremonies to stage protests. …

Americans Protest Trump, Injustice In U.S. On Medals Stand At Pan Am Games
5 years, 5 months ago

Americans Protest Trump, Injustice In U.S. On Medals Stand At Pan Am Games

Huff Post  

Gold medalist Race Imboden of United States takes a knee during the National Anthem Ceremony during the Lima 2019 Pan American Games on August 09, 2019 in Lima, Peru. Leonardo Fernandez via Getty Images LIMA, Peru — Two Americans used their medal-winning moments at the Pan American Games to draw attention to social issues back home that they feel are …

White Olympic fencer Race Imboden takes a knee at Pan Am Games during US national anthem to protest
5 years, 5 months ago

White Olympic fencer Race Imboden takes a knee at Pan Am Games during US national anthem to protest

Daily Mail  

White Olympic fencer Race Imboden, 26, took a knee while the US national anthem was played during a gold medal ceremony at the Pan American Games in Peru Two Americans used their medal-winning moments at the Pan American Games to draw attention to social issues back home they feel are spiraling out of control. She called out injustice in America …

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