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Protests or Not, Politics and Olympics Are Intertwined

Associated Press

   More than a half-century later, Tommie Smith and John Carlos are
   cemented into Olympic lore -- their names enshrined in the Olympic Hall
   of Fame in the United States, their portrait an indelible fixture on
   the universal sports landscape.

   As for that raised-fist salute that transformed them into Olympic
   icons, while also symbolizing the power athletes possess for the short
   time they're on their biggest stage -- it's still forbidden.

   Such was the warning this month in the announcement by the IOC, whose
   athletes' commission banned kneeling and hand gestures during medals
   ceremonies and competiton. It's all part of an attempt to tamp down
   political demonstrations at this summer's Tokyo Games.

   "The eyes of the world will be on the athletes and the Olympic Games,"
   IOC President Thomas Bach said, in delivering an impassioned defense of
   the rules.

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