(Reuters) – Athletes are not just sports role models and should speak out about social and political issues just like U.S. soccer player Megan Rapinoe at last year’s World Cup, the CEO of independent German athletes’ association Athleten Deutschland said.
Johannes Herber said on Wednesday the International Olympic Committee’s Rule 50 which banned any political messages at Olympic venues or medal ceremonies at this year’s Tokyo Olympics, to avoid turning the Games into a political tool, was robbing the world of interesting voices.
“I understand the IOC argument that it does not want to turn the Games into a competition of political messages,” he told Reuters. “Some countries are very sensitive an even a minor message could provoke emotions.
“But athletes influence many people around the world, especially young people. I cannot wish for more than to have athletes who deliver amazing performances on the field of play but are also engaged socially with an opinion.
“Think of how strongly Megan Rapinoe has spoken out in favor of minority rights. It is sad to have such a chance taken away (by Rule 50).”
Rapinoe has been a prominent supporter for LGBT rights and equal pay, having been part of the team that sued U.S. soccer last year over gender discrimination.
The Ballon d’Or winner has also been a vocal critic of U.S. President Donald Trump and famously declared that the team wouldn’t “go to the (expletive) White House,” prior to the squad winning their second successive world title last year.
“Political opinion does not always have to be divisive, think of the environment or equality. To show youngsters that you can be both an athlete and also make a difference,” Herber said.
