Caroline Marks and Carissa Moore rallying for the historically oppressed!
In a move likely to send shockwaves through international sport, the U.S. Olympic Committee quietly reversed a decades-long policy disallowing protest during the playing of the National Anthem at this summer’s Japan Games and will allow its athletes to rally as they see fit.
A nine-page “guidance” was released detailing the changes and what gold medal winners will now be able to do on the podium including taking a knee, raising a fist or wearing a hat with phrases such as “Trans Lives Matter,” “Black Lives Matter,” “Equality,” or “Justice.”
U.S. Olympic Committee CEO Sarah Hirchland wrote, “This guidance defines latitude for athletes to express their personal perspectives on racial and social justice in a respectful way, and without fear of sanction from the USOPC.”
It also warned athletes not to use any hate language or phrases deemed “impermissible” by the Anti-Defamation League.
All very fine and good, also just in time for surfing’s first-ever appearance in the Olympic Games.
As you know, the U.S. Olympic Surf Team consists of Kolohe Andino and John John Florence, for the men, Caroline Marks and Carissa Moore, for the women.
Which will do what, do you think?
Kolohe Andino on knee, fist in air?
John John Florence sporting a “Trans Lives Matter” hat?
Hmmmm.
The more I ponder, the more unlikely it seems.
In fact, it’s difficult to imagine a more un-protesty group anywhere on earth.
Anywhere historically even.
Kolohe Andino, John John Florence, Caroline Marks, Carissa Moore.
Wow.
