- Members of the Republican party of the House of Representatives have expressed their concern over potential protests from members of Team USA at this month’s Olympics.
- Some athletes, like BMX rider Chelsea Wolfe, have stated that they will protest the flag in the case of making it to the podium during the Olympics.
TOKYO – Republican officials in the US House of Representatives are expressing their discontent with the possibility of American Olympians making political statements at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
Some members of Team USA have expressed that they intend to take a stand for social justice, racial inequality, or a number of other issues if they are given the chance to reach the podium during the Olympics.
While this action could be something simple like taking a knee, raising a fist, or turning a shoulder to the American flag, some other athletes have said they will not stop at quiet gestures. While it is unlikely to affect their odds on the online Olympic sportsbooks, these actions will make waves throughout the world.
One of those athletes is Team USA BMX rider Chelsea Wolfe, who said she would love to win a medal in Tokyo so that she could “burn a US flag on the podium.”
Wolfe made this statement in a Facebook post back in March 2020, which she has since deleted. Wolfe walked back her comments saying that her statement does not mean that she does not care for her country.
Still, these actions have stirred up the GOP members of the House, who have sent an official letter to the US Olympic Committee expressing their worry over the representation of the country though these athletes.
Over three dozen House Republicans signed the notice, with Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana signing his name at the top.
Rosendale’s letter encouraged the Olympic Committee to remind and enforce their athletes to the guidelines of Rule 50 of the International Olympic Committee charter which bans political expression by competitors.
The letter states: "We are deeply concerned by the growing trend of American athletes taking advantage of the international platform afforded by the Olympic games to perpetuate divisive, hateful and anti-American ideologies."
Another athlete mentioned in the letter is hammer thrower Gwen Berry, who made headlines at the US Olympic Trials by turning away from the flag at the podium during the national anthem and holding up a shirt emblazoned with the phrase “Activist Athlete”.
Oh Gwen - you should RESPECT the American Flag and the National Anthem if you want to compete for TEAM USA.
It's actually the point. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 https://t.co/uhCyJbe2cQ
— Benny (@bennyjohnson) July 1, 2021
While many Olympic sports betting fans will be tuning into the Games this year to root for their bets, many will be tuning in to root for their country on the grandest stage of competition.
Likewise, there will be many people turning in to see how these athletes choose to display their discontent with the current political state of American while still representing their country with respect.
It is certainly a fine line to walk to many of these athletes caught in a tough position.