Tuesday, July 20, 2021
Political messages forbidden
Rainbow band at Olympia offside
Manuel Neuer ‘s rainbow armband at the European Football Championship causes excitement, but goes through after a UEFA investigation. It is probably different with the Olympic Games. The German hockey captain prefers to do without – there is a risk of punishment. Otherwise, statements quickly become tight.
For Nike Lorenz, the rainbow is one of them. The little piece of fabric shows her not only as the captain of the German women’s hockey team, but also as an ambassador for diversity. At the Olympic Games in Tokyo, the 24-year-old’s plan was to once again set an example beyond sport, in addition to top performance on the hockey field. Just like more and more athletes around the world stand up against injustice.
But despite all her efforts, this will not be possible, at least during the games under the sign of the rings – the controversial rule 50 of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) applies. “Since I just don’t know what’s going to happen, it’s not an option for me,” said the athlete: “There is no way I will risk my team suffering from it.”
The day before, in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, the bronze medalist from Rio had drawn attention to the fact that, despite contacting the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and the World Hockey Federation (FIH), it was not possible to determine the possible consequences the visible commitment to LGBTQ rights could result. “The DOSB only told me once again that the rules are the way they are and that I have to adhere to them,” said Lorenz. Even the DOSB cannot find out what the penalties would be.
Kneeling is allowed
Most recently, the IOC had moved slightly in early July. Protests or expressions of political opinion are restricted in Tokyo. In conversations with the media, at press conferences, in the mixed zone, at team meetings, on social media channels or before the start of a competition, the active are allowed to express their opinions. As a sign against racism, the British soccer players can get on their knees before their first game against Chile on Wednesday, as the English had already done at the European Football Championship.
Further protests from the sports world will follow at the Summer Games, which participants had already used in the past for great signs – such as the 1968 Black Power Protest by Tommie Smith and John Carlos, which caused a worldwide sensation. US sprinter Noah Lyles last imitated the gesture.
Such signals will remain banned at the Tokyo Games. At official ceremonies such as award ceremonies or at the opening and closing ceremonies, on the playing field and in the Olympic Village, there should continue to be no political messages. “That was the wish of a large majority of the athletes in our global survey,” said the IOC in early July.
Rainbow bandage just for warming up
Lorenz will now wear her rainbow armband during the warm-up and after the matches for the interview. She accepts that there are certain limits to the expression of opinion at the major event, but in her case criticizes a communication problem on the part of the IOC. “I can understand that you want to avoid political statements for fear that something will happen here between the nations,” said the hockey player: “If I could simply ask to wear this armband, you would know that I am not against another Nation judge. “
In any case, she only wants to convey and symbolize the values that the IOC is committed to. “When you walk around here, you see so much advertising from the IOC on diversity, solidarity, fair play and inclusion,” said Lorenz: “There are slogans and posters everywhere, the elevators are covered with tape.” But the organizers of the Olympic Games do not allow the really big signs.
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