Well, I have never been one to advocate for boycotting Olympics, but that may soon change.
China has issued a warning to all foreign athletes.
Do not bring up politics… or else.
This is a Problem
Today’s athletes often use their platform to advocate for social injustices.
Well, if they do that in China during the Olympics, it could be a problem.
Yang Shu, deputy director general of international relations for the Beijing Organizing Committee, has put all athletes competing at the games on notice.
During a recent press conference, Yang Shu stated, “Any expression that is in line with the Olympic spirit I’m sure will be protected.
“Any behavior or speech that is against the Olympic spirit, especially against the Chinese laws and regulations, are also subject to certain punishment.”
Yang continued, “I think for the athletes to participate in the Olympic Games, they should follow the spirit and requirements provided by the Olympic Charter.
“The politicization of sports is one of the things opposed by the Olympic Charter.”
Now, when the Olympics were held in the United States, protests happened on a fairly regular basis by athletes.
Nothing was ever done and no threats were ever made.
The threat made by the Chinese, however, seems fairly ominous.
Yang did not define the “punishment,” but it is fairly safe to assume anyone protesting in any way would not be making the team flight home.
Fox News discusses…
Do you think our athletes should go to China with this threat looming?
Tell us in the comments section below.
Source: Washington Post
