Athletes Banned From ‘Taking a Knee’ at 2020 Olympics

Sue Byamba
By Sue Byamba
January 11, 2020Sports News
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Athletes Banned From ‘Taking a Knee’ at 2020 Olympics
Usain Bolt of Jamaica leads the field on his way to winning the Men's 100 meter final in Beijing on Aug. 16, 2008 in Beijing, China. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Athletes have been banned from protesting or advocating “any political messaging” at the 2020 Olympic Games, according to newly released guidelines.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) released its Rule 50 Guidelines (pdf) on Thursday for the upcoming 2020 Summer Tokyo Games, identifying the type of protests that will be forbidden.

In their effort to “protect the neutrality of sport and the Olympic Games,” the IOC has specified that it will consider the following as acts of protest:

  • Displaying any political messaging, including signs or armbands
  • Gestures of a political nature, like a hand gesture or kneeling
  • Refusal to follow the Ceremonies protocol

“It is a fundamental principle that sport is neutral and must be separate from political, religious, or any other type of interference,” the guidelines read. “Specifically, the focus for the field of play and related ceremonies must be on celebrating athletes’ performance, and showcasing sport and its values.”

The guidelines said that while political statements will not be welcome in Olympic venues, on the sporting field, or at the podium, athletes can exercise their “freedom of expression” outside Olympic venues, as well as in press conferences, interviews, team meetings, and on social and other media platforms.

The new guidelines come after American hammer thrower Gwen Berry and fencer Race Imboden staged dramatic podium protests at the Pan-American Games in Lima, Peru, in August.

Berry raised a right fist and bowed her head as the medal ceremony closed, which she later told media was aimed at injustice.

Meanwhile, Imboden chose to kneel during a medal ceremony to “call attention to issues that I believe need to be addressed.”

At the time, Mark Jones, vice president of communications for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, told ESPN in a statement that his committee was disappointed by the protests.

“Every athlete competing at the 2019 Pan American Games commits to terms of eligibility, including to refrain from demonstrations that are political in nature,” he said.

“We respect their rights to express their viewpoints, but we are disappointed that they chose not to honor their commitment. Our leadership are reviewing what consequences may result.”

As a result of the two protests in August, the United States Olympic Committee placed both Berry and Imboden on 12-month probation.

The IOC has not specified the consequences of violating the rules in its new guidelines. Instead, it stated, “Each incident will be evaluated by their respective National Olympic Committee, International Federation, and the IOC, and disciplinary action will be taken on a case-by-case basis as necessary.”

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