Athletes’ freedom of expression during the Olympics

We athletes are passionate people dedicated to achieving our best performance in our sports. That same passion is usually reflected in our other goals and aspects of our lives, and our challenge is to channel that passion. We are committed people, strong defenders of the causes we believe in.

Many athletes come to the Olympic Games with both athletic objectives and other causes and projects, most of them positive, that they want to advance for their communities, countries or the world in general. Because the Games offer a great media opportunity, they want to express their points of view and spread the values they believe in beyond sports.?

During the intense weeks of living together at the Olympic Village, which are now limited because of COVID-19, there is a sense of cooperation, harmony, diversity, respect for differences and positivity.? The Olympic movement has a strong social component, and seeks to be a meeting point for nations.

How is it possible to merge these two elements: the athletes’ wish to express themselves and the desire to guarantee harmony and respect in the face of so many different points of view? By drawing up a framework guarantees the principles of non-discrimination, equality and freedom of expression within the Olympic setting.

The Olympic Charter’s important Rule 50.2, developed from Rule 50, which seeks to defend the neutrality of sports and the Games, as well as respect for all the participants, prohibits any kind of political, religious or racial propaganda. The idea behind this rule is that any non-sports-related expression of opinions during the competition or the ceremonies could undercut the “moment of glory” of other athletes or keep the focus off their accomplishments. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) says that this rule will also prevent situations in which an athlete might be forced to make public statements that go against his or her beliefs.

In April of 2021, the IOC surveyed some 3,500 athletes about this rule in the Olympic Charter. The IOC is aware that it has provoked a certain amount of debate and wishes to find a balance between freedom of expression and respect for all Olympic participants. At this link you can find the complete report on the survey. It shares athletes’ sentiments about their wishes to express their opinions during the Games, including, among other things, what they think of the athletes who do so and where they think are the best places to do so.

Would you express your point of view during the Games?

Would you prefer an individual message or a unified message to promote Olympic values?

Based on this survey, the IOC has created a guide that contains more information about the proposal and the range and the implementation of Rule 50.2. It stresses the IOC’s intention to “preserve the podium, fields of play and official ceremonies from any kind of protests and demonstrations, or any acts perceived as such.”?

The guide about Rule 50.2 also includes recommendations as to how athletes can exercise their rights and obligations. It explains that the athletes have the opportunity to express their points of view before and after the Games, as well as in places not dedicated to competition or ceremonies, such as the mixed areas, press conferences, places where the news media gather, team meetings, social networks, etc.?

In other words: the IOC wants athletes to have a voice, because it is well aware of the significant social influence they exercise, as well as the responsibility they feel to their followers. But it asks them not to express their views on non-sports-topics during moments closely linked to the competition. And if they do make statements at the permitted places and time, it asks that their opinions be consistent with Olympic principles: that they not threaten the dignity of people, countries or organizations or interfere with the preparations of the athletes, etc. Naturally, any discrimination, hostility or violence are forbidden at the Games, as are any actions that endanger the reputation of other people or public order.

The Olympic movement transcends sports. It is made up not only of the IOC and the athletes, but of every individual who has been inspired by these values. According to the Olympic Charter, it is a philosophy of life “exalting and combining in a balanced whole the qualities of body, will and mind. Blending sport with culture and education, Olympism seeks to create a way of life based on the joy found in effort, the educational value of good examples and respect for universal fundamental ethical principles.”? Its objective is for sport to serve human development and be an example of non-discrimination. These are the reasons why it is an honor for me to be a candidate for the IOC Athletes’ Commission.

In the declaration of the rights and responsibilities of Olympic athletes, which can be very clearly read at this link , freedom of expression occupies a prominent place. The debate that has sprung up around Rule 50.2 reflects a healthy system in which freedom is not compromised, and I am grateful for the work of the IOC in clarifying, explaining and seeking opportunities so that we athletes can continue to have a voice, as long as it is always based on unity and respect.