Olympics and Politics: Athlete Activism Through History By Pat Harrington

1,757 words, 9 minutes read time.

As the world turns its eyes to Paris on the eve of the Olympics, a recurring theme resurfaces: the intersection of politics and the Olympic Games. The Olympics have long been a stage for not only athletic excellence but also political expression and debate. From the ancient Greek city-states to modern international relations, the Games have reflected the geopolitical tensions and cultural dialogues of their times.

The history of the Olympics is rich with instances where politics have taken center stage. One of the earliest examples is the 1906 Intercalated Games, where Irish athlete Peter O’Connor waved the Irish flag to protest against the British claiming his achievements for the United Kingdom. This act of defiance is considered one of the first political statements made at the Olympics.

Historical Examples of Athlete Activism in the Olympics

The 1936 Berlin Games, often referred to as the “Nazi Olympics,” are a stark reminder of how a regime can try to use the Games as a platform for propaganda. Nazi Germany saw the Berlin Games as a success, winning 33 gold medals, 26 silver, and 30 bronze, more than any other country. However, this success was somewhat tainted by the remarkable achievements of African-American athlete Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals, challenging, or at least, complicating, the Nazi ideology of Aryan superiority.

Fast forward to the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, which are often remembered for the iconic Black Power salute by American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos. During the medal ceremony for the 200m race, they raised their gloved fists in a silent protest against racial discrimination, creating one of the most enduring images of athlete activism. The third medalist, Peter Norman, a white Australian, supported their protest by wearing an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge. In 2006, at Norman’s funeral in Melbourne, Smith and Carlos carried his coffin, demonstrating their enduring solidarity and gratitude.

The 1972 Munich Olympics were marked by the tragic massacre of Israeli athletes but also saw American swimmer Mark Spitz, who is Jewish, quietly dedicating his record-breaking seven gold medals to the victims, making a statement against terrorism and violence.

At the 1980 Moscow Olympics, which were boycotted by several countries including the United States, British athlete Sebastian Coe wore a t-shirt with the word “Thanks” in Russian during his 1500m victory lap, a gesture of goodwill amidst the political tensions of the Cold War.

The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics saw another boycott led by the Soviet Union, but also featured individual acts of protest, such as South African-born British runner Zola Budd competing under a neutral flag due to the apartheid regime in her home country.

In more recent years, Ethiopian marathon runner Feyisa Lilesa crossed his arms over his head as he finished the race at the 2016 Rio Olympics, a gesture of solidarity with the Oromo people’s protests against the Ethiopian government.

Recent Trends in Athlete Activism at the Olympics

The Olympic Games have always provided a unique platform for athletes to showcase their talents and hard work. However, in recent years, the Games have also become a stage for athletes to express their views on social and political issues, reflecting a broader trend of athlete activism.

One of the most notable examples of recent athlete activism occurred during the Tokyo Summer Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had slightly relaxed its Rule 50, which traditionally prohibited “political, religious or racial propaganda,” allowing athletes more freedom to express their views on the field of play before competition as long as they were not disruptive. This change led to several demonstrations. For instance, entire teams took a knee to call attention to racial justice, and a German athlete wore a rainbow armband during a hockey match in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

Moreover, on July 22, 2021, over 150 signatories, including current and former Olympic athletes, signed an open letter calling on the IOC to allow protests at the medal podium. This was a significant moment, as it showed a collective movement among athletes to use their visibility to advocate for social change.

These instances are part of a larger shift towards recognizing athletes as more than just competitors in their respective sports. They are individuals with voices and platforms that can influence public discourse and highlight important issues. The relaxation of Rule 50 and the actions taken by athletes in Tokyo are indicative of a new era of athlete activism, where the lines between sports and social commentary are increasingly blurred.

The Impact of Olympic Boycotts on Athlete Activism

The history of the Olympic Games is intertwined with political movements and moments of significant athlete activism. Olympic boycotts, in particular, have played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of athlete activism, serving as a powerful statement that transcends the realm of sports.

One of the most significant boycotts in Olympic history was the 1980 Moscow Games, where the United States led a boycott to protest the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan. This boycott not only highlighted the geopolitical tensions of the Cold War but also set a precedent for athletes using the Olympic platform to take a stand on global issues. The absence of the boycotting nations created a ripple effect, impacting the level of competition and the universality of the Games.

The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics saw a retaliatory boycott by the Soviet Union and its allies, further emphasizing the Olympics as a stage for political discourse. These boycotts brought to light the power athletes hold in influencing political narratives and the potential consequences of their absence from such a global event.

In the aftermath of these boycotts, there was a relative downturn in athlete activism during the Olympics, as the focus shifted back to the sports themselves. However, the recent resurgence of athlete activism has been remarkable, with athletes increasingly using their platform to advocate for social justice and change.

The diplomatic boycotts, such as the one declared by the United States against the Beijing Winter Olympics over human rights abuses, have also impacted athlete activism. While athletes still competed, the absence of official representation sent a clear message about the host nation’s policies. This type of boycott allows athletes to compete while still acknowledging and protesting against the issues at hand.

The evolution of athlete activism, influenced by Olympic boycotts, reflects a broader societal shift towards recognizing the importance of social and political engagement. Athletes are now more than ever aware of their influence and the responsibility that comes with it. The Olympic platform provides them with an unparalleled opportunity to make their voices heard on a global stage.

Athlete Activism and the 2016 Rio Olympics: A Platform for Change

The 2016 Rio Olympics were a pivotal moment for athlete activism, marking a period when the voices of athletes began to echo louder in the arenas of social and political discourse. The Games in Rio de Janeiro unfolded against a backdrop of intense social and economic challenges, including concerns over human rights abuses, which provided a fertile ground for athlete activism.

One of the most prominent examples of activism during these Games was the stance taken by Ethiopian marathon runner Feyisa Lilesa. As he crossed the finish line to win a silver medal, Lilesa raised his arms above his head, crossed at the wrists, to protest against the Ethiopian government’s treatment of the Oromo people. This gesture brought international attention to the human rights issues in Ethiopia, showcasing the Olympic stage as a powerful platform for political statements.

The Rio Olympics also faced scrutiny over the impact of the Games on local communities, with reports of forced evictions and police brutality. Activists and local residents used the global spotlight of the Olympics to raise awareness about these issues, challenging the narrative of the Games as a purely positive force for the host city.

In response to these concerns, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) took steps to address the balance between allowing athletes to express their views and maintaining the apolitical nature of the Games. The IOC’s Rule 50, which prohibits political demonstrations on the medal podium and in the Olympic Village, remained in place, but there was a growing recognition of the need to respect athletes’ rights to free expression.

The Rio Olympics did not see a significant change in the IOC’s official stance on athlete activism, but the events of the Games contributed to a broader conversation about the role of athletes in social and political movements. The actions taken by athletes in Rio helped to pave the way for the later relaxation of Rule 50 at the Tokyo Olympics, where athletes were given more freedom to express their views before the start of their competitions.

The 2016 Rio Olympics served as a reminder that the Games are not just a celebration of athletic achievement but also a reflection of the world’s social and political realities. The activism displayed by athletes in Rio added to the rich tapestry of Olympic history, highlighting the potential for the Games to be a catalyst for change and a voice for those who are often unheard.

Looking Forward: The Paris Olympics and Beyond

The upcoming Paris Olympics are poised to continue the tradition of athlete activism. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has historically grappled with the balance between maintaining the Games as a neutral event and respecting the rights of athletes to free expression. Recent amendments to the Olympic Charter and the permissive approach taken at Tokyo 2020 suggest a shift towards acknowledging the importance of athlete activism and the expression of social justice issues.

As we look forward to the Paris Olympics, it is essential to recognize the Games’ role as a global forum for not only sports but also for the expression of ideas and values. The history of the Olympics teaches us that the Games are not just about who runs the fastest or jumps the highest; they are also about who we are as a global community and what we stand for. The Paris Olympics, set against the backdrop of contemporary challenges, offers another chapter in the ongoing narrative of the Olympics as a reflection of our collective human experience.

The Olympics remain a powerful symbol of unity and diversity, where the ideals of free expression and political discourse can coexist with the celebration of athletic achievement. As we anticipate the opening ceremonies in Paris, let us embrace the Games’ potential to inspire change and foster dialogue, honouring the rich legacy of the Olympics as a catalyst for progress and understanding.

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