By Matt Underwood The Olympics, often viewed as a sanctuary of athletic excellence and national pride, are increasingly becoming a stage for political discourse, particularly as American athletes use their prominent platforms to voice opposition to President Trump and his policies. This phenomenon isn’t entirely new, as the Games have historically intertwined with politics, from boycotts and protests to nationalistic displays. However, the current climate sees a more direct and vocal stance from US athletes, reflecting broader societal divisions.
The assertion that the Olympics are only just now turning political seems to miss a significant historical context. Throughout the history of the modern Olympic Games, politics has played an integral role. Consider the iconic 1968 Black Power salute on the podium, or the extensive boycotts by various nations in different years, often driven by geopolitical tensions. These instances highlight that the notion of a purely apolitical Olympics is a long-held fallacy.
When athletes represent their countries on a global stage, engaging in competition that inherently involves national prestige and international comparison, it’s virtually impossible to entirely divorce themselves from the political landscape of their homeland. The world watches not just for athletic prowess, but also as a reflection of national values and ideologies. Therefore, athletes’ actions and statements, or even their silence, can be interpreted through a political lens.
Furthermore, the argument that athletes should simply “shut up and skate,” or adhere to a notion of remaining apolitical, often comes from those who are comfortable with the status quo. For athletes whose lived experiences and the policies enacted by their government directly impact their communities, remaining silent becomes a conscious choice, and often a difficult one. Their participation is not just about personal achievement; it’s about representing a nation, and when that nation’s leadership is seen as harmful or divisive, speaking out becomes a moral imperative for many.
The current administration, in particular, has been accused of blurring the lines between political opinion and matters of basic right and wrong. Issues that might have once been considered societal concerns are now often framed as partisan “opinions.” This forces individuals, including athletes, to navigate a landscape where expressing a viewpoint that is critical of the administration is immediately labeled as “political,” thereby attempting to silence dissent. The call to “not get political” often serves as a shield for the administration to pursue actions without public scrutiny or criticism.
The Olympics, with their immense global viewership, offer a powerful megaphone. Athletes are not mere automatons performing for entertainment; they are individuals with deeply held beliefs and concerns. When their country’s domestic politics are a dominant feature in headlines and discussions, it becomes increasingly challenging for them to remain silent. This is especially true when athletes feel that the policies of the current administration are detrimental to the values they hold dear, or to the communities they hail from.
The reaction to athletes speaking out often reveals a double standard. When an athlete’s stance aligns with a particular political agenda, they may receive extensive coverage and accolades. However, when their expression criticizes an administration or its policies, it is frequently met with accusations of politicization, or calls for them to remain silent. This selective outrage highlights a discomfiture with dissenting voices rather than a genuine commitment to an apolitical sporting environment.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) itself has rules, such as Rule 50, which addresses political expression at the Games. However, the interpretation and enforcement of these rules have often been inconsistent. While the IOC may ban specific forms of protest or expression deemed too overtly political, the broader political context in which the Games are held, and the athletes’ fundamental right to free speech, cannot be so easily contained or suppressed. Athletes are often in a position where they are expected to be silent about significant issues affecting their lives and society, a pressure that is increasingly being resisted.
Ultimately, the idea that the Olympics have “turned political” is a mischaracterization of reality. The Olympics have always been political, a stage where nations showcase their strength, values, and ideologies. What has changed is the increased willingness of athletes, particularly American athletes, to engage directly with contemporary political issues, using their platform to express their dissent against policies and leadership they find objectionable. This trend reflects a broader societal awakening and a growing understanding that silence in the face of perceived injustice is not a neutral stance.