- Written by Leah Mahon
- Published on 23rd July 2021
Sprinter Dina Asher-Smith says that protest is a “fundamental human right.” (Picture: Archives)- BRITISH ATHLETE Dina Asher-Smith condemned the organisers of the Tokyo Olympics from preventing athletes from protesting during the games.
- Following the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to backtrack on their reinforcement of Rule 50 which states “no kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas,” the Olympic star said they had “no choice” regarding the change of decision.
- Her comments came after organisers attempted to ban athletes from taking the knee during this years games and although confirming whether she would do so herself or not, she said that “protesting and expressing yourself” is a “fundamental human right”.
- The British sprinter, who is due to compete in the 100 and 200 metres, believes the decision would have brought the games bad publicity and that there would have been “loads of athlete protests at the Games and it would have been very embarrassing for them” if the regulation had stayed in place.
