IOC may lift protest ban at Olympics

AMID a global wave of demonstrations against racism, the IOC said yesterday it would open talks that could let athletes make stronger protests at the Olympic Games.

Only five months ago the Olympic body strengthened its ban on political statements by saying gestures such as taking a knee or raising a fist on a medal podium remain prohibited.

But the IOC’s public stance eased slightly yesterday when its president Thomas Bach (pictured) said the in-house athlete committee would “explore different ways” opinions could be expressed during the games, while still “respecting the Olympic spirit”.

“The Olympic aims are a very powerful global demonstration against racism and for inclusivity,”

Bach said, though he sought to separate “support for the principles enshrined in the Olympic Charter and potentially divisive demonstrations”. The current rule 50 of the charter tries to uphold political neutrality for the Olympics, but allows athletes to express opinions in interviews after their events. However, gestures made on the field of play or at medal ceremonies were classed in January as “divisive disruption”. According to the current stance, athletes copying the iconic raised fist salutes by American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics could still be sent home from the Olympics. They also would face disciplinary action by their national Olympic team, their sport’s governing body, and the IOC.