2008 Woodie Awards
Olympic restrictions limit spirit of games
Issue date: 2/21/08 Section: Viewpoints
Well it seems that there will be two oppressive, communistic governments in play at this summer's Olympic Games.
In light of the 2008 Summer Olympics being held in China, the British Olympic Association added a clause to athletes' contracts, effectively barring them from speaking out on political issues while competing.
The barring of free political speech is nothing new for the Olympics; U.S. sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos were suspended from the 1968 U.S. Olympic team and barred from the Olympic village after their iconic salute to black power.
The only difference between the BOA's decision and the long-standing rule is that the British authorities have threatened to remove any athlete who speaks out against Chinese practices.
While it's only polite to respect your hosts, the committee has overstepped their boundaries in barring athletes from the most sacred of speech, political speech. Athletes should not be expelled from one of the greatest sporting events on the planet because they brought attention to controversial topics.
The Olympics are presented on a global scale. With that comes scrutiny of global issues.
Besides, the Olympics are a sporting event for the best and most talented the world has to offer. Taking away their ability to speak out deprives the game of its authenticity and competitive spirit.
While this may not be forcing the English football team to heil Hitler, this is an event that should deeply disturb sports fans everywhere.
In light of the 2008 Summer Olympics being held in China, the British Olympic Association added a clause to athletes' contracts, effectively barring them from speaking out on political issues while competing.
The barring of free political speech is nothing new for the Olympics; U.S. sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos were suspended from the 1968 U.S. Olympic team and barred from the Olympic village after their iconic salute to black power.
The only difference between the BOA's decision and the long-standing rule is that the British authorities have threatened to remove any athlete who speaks out against Chinese practices.
While it's only polite to respect your hosts, the committee has overstepped their boundaries in barring athletes from the most sacred of speech, political speech. Athletes should not be expelled from one of the greatest sporting events on the planet because they brought attention to controversial topics.
The Olympics are presented on a global scale. With that comes scrutiny of global issues.
Besides, the Olympics are a sporting event for the best and most talented the world has to offer. Taking away their ability to speak out deprives the game of its authenticity and competitive spirit.
While this may not be forcing the English football team to heil Hitler, this is an event that should deeply disturb sports fans everywhere.
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