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The President of World Athletics says he has no problem if an athlete wishes to kneel at a medal ceremony or before a competition; Current IOC rules prohibit any gesture, statement or display that could be construed as religious, racial or political.
Last Updated: 12/28/20 10:52 am
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World Athletics President Lord Coe says athletes should be able to kneel during Olympic medal ceremonies
World Athletics President Lord Coe says athletes should be able to kneel during Olympic medal ceremonies
Lord Coe is in favor of athletes kneeling at next summer’s Olympics in Tokyo and says he is proud of the stance athletes take in support of equality.
The president of World Athletics has joined a growing number of voices calling on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to relax its rules that prevent athletes from protesting.
Under current regulations, competitors are not allowed to make gestures or displays that could be construed as religious, racial or political, but IOC member Coe believes it is time to reconsider.
“I made it very clear that if an athlete wanted to kneel at a medal ceremony, or before a competition, I have absolutely no problem with that as long as it is done in a respectful way, in fact, the way Tommie Smith and John Carlos and Peter Norman did indeed do it 52 years ago in Mexico, “Coe said.
Tommie Smith and John Carlos performed the famous Black Power salute on the medal podium at the 1968 Mexico Olympics
“As long as it’s done with respect, I think it’s perfectly acceptable and I don’t want to be the federation president saying ‘the computer says no here.’
The IOC has previously stated that it will open dialogue with athletes to seek input before the delayed Tokyo Games, which will begin on July 23, 2021.
Coe said he is proud of the stance athletes are taking
However, Coe, the head of the governing body for athletics, said he was proud that his sport has already unequivocally offered its support and solidarity.
“The athletes feel very convinced of that, wherever they come from and whatever their cultural background, and I know from the discussions I had with many of the athletes, black and white, during that period that they wanted the opportunity to really be. clear what our sport stands for, “added Coe.
“I am very proud that they are going to do that and they do it with my blessing.”
Tokyo Olympics costs rise to £ 11.5 billion
The official cost of the postponed Tokyo Olympics has risen by 22 percent, the local organizing committee revealed on Tuesday when it released its new budget.
In an online press conference, organizers said the Olympics staging will now cost $ 15.4 billion (£ 11.5 billion), up from $ 12.6 billion (£ 9.4 billion) in last year’s budget.
The delayed Olympics are scheduled to start in July 2021
The additional $ 2.8 billion (£ 2.1 billion) is the cost of the one-year delay due to the coronavirus pandemic, with additional expenses coming from renegotiating contracts and measures to combat COVID-19.
The budget shows that the Switzerland-based International Olympic Committee is contributing $ 1.3 billion (£ 1 billion) to cover the costs of the games, but its contribution to Tokyo will not increase, according to Gakuji Ito, the organizing committee’s chief financial officer. .
However, audits carried out by the Japanese government in recent years suggest that the costs are higher than officially declared and are at least $ 25 billion (£ 18.6 billion).
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