Olympic Games chief Thomas Bach hints at way for athletes to play politics in Sochi

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach said on Monday athletes could make political statements if they so wished at press conferences during the forthcoming Sochi Winter Olympic Games but not during the events themselves.

The run-up to the first Winter Games in Russia – which get under way in the Black Sea resort on February 7 – have been mired in controversy amid corruption allegations, terror threats, and a Russian law banning gay propaganda among minors.

However, the 60-year-old German, who was elected as Jacques Rogge’s successor in Buenos Aires in September, said that as with every Games, athletes could be punished if they made political statements or gestures during competition or at a medals ceremony, but they were free to say whatever they wished at the press conferences.

“It is very clear, the Games cannot be used as a stage for political demonstrations however good the cause may be,” Bach said.

“The IOC will take, if necessary, individual decisions based on individual cases.

“It is also clear, on the other hand, the athletes enjoy the freedom of speech so if in a press conference they wanted to make a political statement then they are absolutely free to do so.”

Bach, who won Olympic gold in fencing in 1976, said in reply to a suggestion that he was advising athletes to make their point at news conferences rather than the medals podium: “If you are drawing this conclusion I would not say anything against it.”