Photo: Tokyo 2020
Don’t expect to see anyone following Colin Kaepernick’s lead at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
On Thursday, the International Olympic Committeepublished its list of guidelines for athletes, with rule 50 of the Olympic Charter barring any guests from staging political protests during the summer games.
Those include “displaying any political messaging, including signs or armbands; gestures of a political nature, like a hand gesture or kneeling; and refusal to follow the Ceremonies protocol,” according to the IOC.
That isn’t to say that athletes can’t still express their views.
“No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas,” rule 50 states – adding that athletes do have the opportunities to express their opinions during press conferences, in interviews, at team meetings, and on social media.
“It should be noted that expressing views is different from protests and demonstrations,” the guidelines say.
Tommie Smith, John Carlos.
The IOC’s guidelines are applicable to athletes, as well as any other accredited person — trainers, coaches, officials, etc.
“It is a fundamental principle that sport is neutral and must be separate from political, religious or any other type of interference,” they add. “Specifically, the focus for the field of play and related ceremonies must be on celebrating athletes’ performance, and showcasing sport and its values.”
Coincidentally, though both men broke protocol back then and would be in violation of the rules now, they were given the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s highest honor in November 2019 with an induction into the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame.
source: people.com
