US Olympic Committee will allow kneeling, raised fists at qualifying trials

[mystery-ak]

US Olympic Committee will allow kneeling, raised fists at qualifying trials
By Mychael Schnell - 03/30/21 01:28 PM EDT

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) on Tuesday announced that certain racial and social justice demonstrations will be permitted at qualifying trials, including kneeling and raised fists.

Wearing a hat with phrases such as “Black Lives Matter,” vocally advocating for equal rights for minority groups, holding up a fist at the start line or on the podium, and kneeling on the podium or at the start line during the national anthem are all acceptable demonstrations, the committee said. Athletes who engage in these demonstrations will not be sanctioned.

“The USOPC values the expressions of Team USA athletes and believes that their right to advocate for racial and social justice aligns with the fundamental values of equality that define Team USA and the Olympic and Paralympic movements,” an overview of the rules from the committee reads.

The policy only affects trial events, not the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In the coming months, the committee said it will issue separate guidance for the Games.

In a letter to Team USA athletes, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland called racial and social justice demonstrations an “important” topic, adding “I have confidence you’ll make the best decision for you, your sport and your fellow competitors.”

more
https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/545573-us-olympic-committee-will-allow-kneeling-raised-fists-at-trials

[mystery-ak]

Guess I won't be watching the Olympics

[goatprairie]

Guess I won't be watching the Olympics

I might be cheering for the other country if that (kneeling) happens. 
However, athletes from many countries now kneel when their national anthem is played. And some get booed. Some English soccer players got booed when they knelt for the NA in a match some months ago. Naturally, the English media berated the fans for not supporting the spoiled players.
I just might not watch the Olympics too.

[mountaineer]

Why would anyone strive to represent a country he disrespects?

[libertybele]

Guess I won't be watching the Olympics

I won't be either.  I'll be damned if I watch another group disrespect our country. They can kiss my royal American grits!

[Bigun]

Guess I won't be watching the Olympics

Yep!  Another event shot to hell!

[Cyber Liberty]

I might be cheering for the other country if that (kneeling) happens. 
However, athletes from many countries now kneel when their national anthem is played. And some get booed. Some English soccer players got booed when they knelt for the NA in a match some months ago. Naturally, the English media berated the fans for not supporting the spoiled players.
I just might not watch the Olympics too.

I detest the Olympics, have for decades.  Why? Performance Sports, where they don't strive to be the strongest or the fastest, but how pretty they can dance to be judged on subjective qualities by biased snobs.  Who gives a rat's azz how well chicks in thongs can twirl on skates??

{SPIT}