There’s a percentage of the population that likes politics mixed in with their sports so much, they will probably protest the fact that protests will not allowed at the Olympics. 

On Wednesday, the IOC (International Olympic Committee) said they took a survey of athletes and fount that the majority of them are in favor of keeping the ban on political protests in place. 

Modern day athletes most likely are not afraid of whatever kind of punishment they would face for raising a fist on the podium, or taking a knee during a national anthem, but technically they aren’t allowed to do it. 

In the survey, the IOC said 70% of the over 3,500 competitors they talked to said that “it was not appropriate to demonstrate or express their views.”

As for potential punishment, the IOC hasn’t said specifically what protestors would be facing, but they plan on coming up with a list before the Summer Games in Tokyo. 

The rule is in the Olympic Charter. It’s Rule 50, and it prohibits any “demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda” at the Games. 

The U.S. Olympic Committee is practically encouraging protest in Japan. They have said they will not take action for any kind of protest that athletes want to make. The USOC wants athletes to have gentle messaging on their clothing if they want to take a stand with fashion.   Approved words on T-shirts or other pieces of clothing include “Peace, respect, solidarity, inclusion and equality.”

Very much on point for the world we all live in. 

As of Wednesday, it is still permissible for athletes to defeat an opponent in a sporting event, as not all competitors will be allowed to equally share space on the victory stand. 

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