Athletes at the 2020 Olympic Games will not be allowed to take a knee — unless they’re tying their sneakers.
The International Olympic Committee on Thursday published a strict set of guidelines that bars competitors participating in the upcoming 32nd Olympics in Tokyo from using the world stage for political protests.
That means no political displays like signs and armbands, no gestures “of a political nature” — including taking a knee or making hand gestures, like a raised fist — and no refusing to follow protocol at Olympic ceremonies or “on the field of play,” the three-page document said.
The guidelines don’t specify what the punishment will be for those who flout the ban, saying only “disciplinary action will be taken on a case-by-case basis.”
“We believe that the example we set by competing with the world’s best while living in harmony in Olympic Village is a uniquely positive message to send to an increasingly divided world,” the IOC said.
“This is why it is important, on both a personal and global level, that we keep the venues, the Olympic Village and the podium neutral and free from any form of political, religious or ethnic demonstrations.”
One of the games’ most memorable protests was the 1968 Mexico City demonstration by American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who each raised a fist on the medal podium during the national anthem in a shout-out to the civil rights movement.
nypost.com
The International Olympic Committee on Thursday published a strict set of guidelines that bars competitors participating in the upcoming 32nd Olympics in Tokyo from using the world stage for political protests.
That means no political displays like signs and armbands, no gestures “of a political nature” — including taking a knee or making hand gestures, like a raised fist — and no refusing to follow protocol at Olympic ceremonies or “on the field of play,” the three-page document said.
The guidelines don’t specify what the punishment will be for those who flout the ban, saying only “disciplinary action will be taken on a case-by-case basis.”
“We believe that the example we set by competing with the world’s best while living in harmony in Olympic Village is a uniquely positive message to send to an increasingly divided world,” the IOC said.
“This is why it is important, on both a personal and global level, that we keep the venues, the Olympic Village and the podium neutral and free from any form of political, religious or ethnic demonstrations.”
One of the games’ most memorable protests was the 1968 Mexico City demonstration by American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who each raised a fist on the medal podium during the national anthem in a shout-out to the civil rights movement.
Athletes barred from taking a knee, raising fists at 2020 Olympics
The International Olympic Committee on Thursday published a strict set of guidelines that bars competitors participating in the upcoming 32nd Olympics in Tokyo from using the world stage for politi…
nypost.com
