‘Hypocrites’ claim as podium protests banned at Tokyo, Beijing Olympics

LAUSANNE: Athletes hit back Thursday after the International Olympic Committee said protests on podiums and the field of play would remain banned at the Tokyo Games and Beijing Winter Olympics.

US hammer thrower Gwen Berry, who staged a raised-fist protest on the podium at the 2019 Pan-American Games in Peru, didn’t mince words in calling the IOC “hypocrites who continue to silence athletes for capital gain”.

“Again, they are on the wrong side of history. I encourage all athletes to STAND in their power and do what they feel is right!”

Her comments came after the IOC executive board, acting on a recommendation from its athletes commission, declined to relax the longstanding Rule 50 of the Olympic…