INSIDER
Smith, Carlos, Berry demand change in Olympic protest rule
Read full article: Smith, Carlos, Berry demand change in Olympic protest ruleTommie Smith, John Carlos and Gwen Berry are among the more than 150 educators, activists and athletes who signed a letter Thursday urging the IOC not to punish participants who demonstrate at the Tokyo Games.
Olympics on tight timeline to chart new path on protest
Read full article: Olympics on tight timeline to chart new path on protest(AP Photo/File)For generations, the IOC knew exactly where to look for key support of its ban against protests at the Olympics. “That becomes a difficult situation,” said Harry Edwards, the activist who helped brainstorm the gestures by Smith and Carlos 52 years ago. American athletes have been reeling from a summer of unrest over police violence against Black people in the United States. The Olympics are a behemoth that counts America as only one of 206 countries who are members. “And what today reflects is that this generation of athletes is more than willing to do their part.”
Listening to athletes, USOPC won't punish Olympic protests
Read full article: Listening to athletes, USOPC won't punish Olympic protestsIt’s a response to a set of recommendations from a USOPC athlete group that seeks changes to the much-maligned Rule 50 of the IOC Olympic Charter, which prohibits inside-the-lines protests at the games. The IOC has defended the rule, explaining that political statements have no place inside the competition venues at the Olympics. The USOPC established a handful of working groups led by athletes who tackled different aspects of social injustice in the Olympic movement and society in general. The USOPC says it won't discipline athletes for “respectful” and “peaceful” demonstrations, and Hirshland said, “I can't imagine that kneeling or raising a fist would be considered" inappropriate. The IOC has sent a survey to athletes across the globe for their opinions on Rule 50 and other issues.
Gwen Berry wins humanitarian award, insists US can do better
Read full article: Gwen Berry wins humanitarian award, insists US can do betterGwen Berry won a humanitarian award Wednesday for raising social justice issues in the United States — a journey that began in 2019 when she raised her fist on the medals stand at the Pan-Am Games during the national anthem. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee placed Berry on probation for her actions after winning a gold medal in August 2019. Berry was an outspoken skeptic of the USOPC when it took steps to deal with social injustice issues in the aftermath of George Floyd's killing in May. For winning the award, Berry gets $10,000 to distribute to charities of her choice. Carlos and Smith got sent home; the USOPC sent Berry a letter of reprimand.
Track group calls for change of Olympic protest rule
Read full article: Track group calls for change of Olympic protest ruleThe IOC earlier this year reiterated its support of the rule that restricts protests inside the lines at the games. But in the aftermath of protests that stemmed from George Floyd's killing in May, the committee said it would consider measures that would allow athletes to make stronger protests. Among the board members signing off on the statement are Allyson Felix, Christian Taylor, Emma Coburn, Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. Berry was an outspoken critic of the USOPC earlier this year when it made public shows of solidarity with Black athletes, suggesting the USOPC never reached out to her on the issue. The USOPC has formed an athletes' group to look into ways to combat racism, which could include calling for changes in the rule known as Rule 50.
Carlos, US athletes take stand to end Olympic protest rule
Read full article: Carlos, US athletes take stand to end Olympic protest ruleDENVER John Carlos wants to abolish the rule that bans protests at the Olympics. The renowned Olympic protester has written a letter with an influential group of American athletes, calling on the IOC to put in place a new policy done in collaboration with athletes from across the globe. Carlos and Tommie Smith raised their fists on the medals stand at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics to protest racial inequality in the United States. Athletes are working together as a collective because sport leaders have become too complacent." USOPC leaders have said they are trying to expand the conversation about racial injustice, and are open to pressing for changes in Rule 50 the IOC rule that bars protests on the medals stand and other inside-the-line venues at the games.
Q&A: State of Tokyo Olympics 2 1/2 months after postponement
Read full article: Q&A: State of Tokyo Olympics 2 1/2 months after postponementTOKYO It's been 2 1/2 months since the Tokyo Olympics were postponed until next year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The IOC executive board meets on Wednesday and will hear a brief presentation from Tokyo organizers on a remote hookup, explaining where things stand. Pierre Ducrey, Olympic Games operations director, said last week that retaining the Olympic Village was problem No. A: No matter where the Olympics are held, or in what city, most Olympic venues look much the same on television. Bach earlier this year warned against using the Tokyo Olympics as a platform for highlighting political and social causes.
Berry 'disappointed' with USOPC in aftermath of Floyd death
Read full article: Berry 'disappointed' with USOPC in aftermath of Floyd deathI feel like, right now, my body and my mind, it's like Im going to war, Berry told The Associated Press in an interview Wednesday. To Berry, the statement from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee that the federation stands with those who demand equality was galling. It came less than a year after the USOPC put Berry on a 12-month probation for her gesture at the Pan-Am Games. The episode comes against the backdrop of the IOC statement earlier this year that reiterated rules forbidding the types of protests Berry made. Theyre going to fight until they cant fight anymore.
American gold medalist kneels during national anthem at Pan Am Games
Read full article: American gold medalist kneels during national anthem at Pan Am GamesGold medalist Race Imboden of United States takes a knee during the National Anthem Ceremony in the podium of Fencing Men's Foil Team Gold Medal Match Match on Day 14 of Lima 2019 Pan American Games at Fencing Pavilion of Lima Convention(CNN) - American gold medalist fencer Race Imboden knelt as the national anthem played Friday at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, to protest racism, gun control, mistreatment of immigrants and President Donald Trump. "This week I am honored to represent Team USA at the Pan Am Games, taking home Gold and Bronze. On Friday, he helped the US win gold in the men's foil team event, and then took a knee on the podium as the Star Spangled Banner played. Imboden was not the only American to protest during the anthem at the Pan American Games. Gwen Berry took gold in the women's hammer throw competition on Saturday, and she raised her fist in the air at the end of the national anthem in protest.