Tokyo Olympics: five athletes who could break protest Rule 50 even after its relaxation
- American sprinter Noah Lyles, who raised black-gloved fist at US Olympic Trails, may get the chance to take his statement onto the podium in Japan
- IOC Athletes’ Commission has softened the controversial rule and now states athletes can make their voices heard in certain situations
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As usual with the IOC, the guidelines are now murkier than ever, as Rule 50.2 of the Olympic Charter, as put forth by the IOC’s Athletes’ Commission, states athletes can express their views on the field before play, in media interviews, on social media and during athlete introductions, within reason, as long as it does not distract another athlete, or is targeted at any one person or specific group. It says yes to a number of previously banned things, but it’s in the omissions where Rule 50 (which was first drawn up in 2019, and has since been revised three times) still remains a serious question mark.
However, athletes are not allowed to make statements during medal ceremonies where national anthems are played, the opening and closing ceremonies, during competition and in the Olympic Village.
Here are five athletes, who if given the chance could still break Rule 50 and force the IOC to either bring forth “disciplinary consequences”, according to the Olympic Charter, or lie down and render the controversial rule completely toothless.
