U.S. Olympic Committee Green Lights Athlete Protests Against Racial And Social Injustice

The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) announced this week that athletes will not be sanctioned for protesting racial or social justice causes during Olympic sporting events. Of course, the committee refers to said protests as “peacefully and respectfully demonstrating in support of racial and social justice”.

The decision marks a notable reversal from the recent ban on “political, religious, and racial” demonstrations at the Tokyo Games.

No doubt US Women’s soccer player Megan Rapinoe is elated about the committee’s decision. 

Olympic Committee Green Lights Athlete Protests 

“First and foremost, it is critical to state unequivocally that human rights are not political,” read a statement released by USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. “Peaceful calls for equity and equality must not be confused with divisive demonstrations.”

This came after guidelines were put in place prior to the Tokyo summer games, which were postponed because of COVID-19, stating that “no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas.” 

Related: Flashback: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Calls Colin Kaepernick’s NFL Anthem Protests ‘Dumb And Disrespectful’

A spokesperson for the USOPC explained that this rule about demonstrations had actually been put in place by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and that national Olympic committees have typically enforced the policy.

Going forward, however, the USOPC will not be enforcing the rule if athletes are demonstrating in the name of racial and social justice. 

Athletes Pressured The Olympic Committee To Get Rid Of This Rule

A group of track and field athletes came together in July to pressure the IOC to get rid of the rule banning demonstrations at the Olympics. The Athletics Association went on to argue that the rule “is in fact preventing athletes from displaying Olympism at the Olympic Games.”

“52 years and the systemic racism that Tommie Smith and John Carlos were protesting against is still destroying communities and lives all over the world,” these athletes said in a statement at the time. 

“And yet, athletes today have been warned that if they peacefully protest then they too will face sanctions and risk being disqualified or suspended.”

Related: Megan Rapinoe ‘Totally Blindsided’ By Reaction To Her Anthem Kneeling Like Colin Kaepernick

Olympic Committee CEO Apologizes

In her statement, Hirschland apologized on the behalf of the committee for taking action in the past against athletes who exercised their right to protest, saying that these athletes should have been supported.

“For that, I apologize, and look forward to a future when rules are clear, intentions are understood, and voices are empowered,” Hirshland said.

“The USOPC’s decision recognized that Team USA athletes serve as a beacon of inspiration and unity globally, and their voices have and will be a force for good and progress in our society.”

What Happened To Olympic And National Pride?

The Olympics are a time for countries to show their national pride and also showcase their best athletes.

For decades, it’s been a time for Americans to come together and rally behind a single team, shouting “USA!” as our athletes proudly compete on behalf of their home country.

Imagine how it looks on the world stage if everyone other country display their national pride while American athletes protest.

It’s embarrassing. Now, the Olympics will join the NFL and NBA and countless other sports in providing a platform for radical leftists to speak out against America. 

The Olympics have historically been about showcasing our love for this country through patriotic display. 

Instead, they choose to put the likes of Megan Rapinoe and Colin Kaepernick on a pedestal. 

If things continue going this way, here are a few Olympic moments we may never see again.