Mexico City, 1968. A couple of days after winning gold and bronze medals in the 200-m sprint, Olympic athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos were suspended by the International Olympic Committee and their athletic careers were over. Their crime? Making a gesture of protest against the racial inequalities in the U.S. at the time.
“No kind of demonstration or political, religious, or racial propaganda is permitted in the Olympic areas,” the Olympic Charter states. In an event meant to unite people under the love of sports, standing for a cause during the Olympics can be a divisive action. However, some causes are important, even if they spark disagreements and distract people from the main values of the Olympic Games.
Athletes should be able to decide whether they want to use their influence to speak to the world. These athletes are more than just people who are really good at sports. They have complex identities, interests, and causes they believe in. And while Olympic athletes are expected to sacrifice a lot to represent the very best of their country, some nations do not treat their athletes or their people well.
This was true for Smith and Carlos, and it was also true for Australian boxer Damien Hooper, who wore an Aboriginal flag at the 2012 London Games. If the Olympics’ purpose is to build a peaceful and better world, they should allow athletes to speak up about things that can actually make it better. Otherwise, the Games will be the true distraction.