FINA announces ban on athlete protests on podium and pool deck at Tokyo Olympics


FINA announces ban on athlete protests on podium and pool deck at Tokyo Olympics

The International Swimming Federation (FINA) has confirmed that all athlete protests are banned from the podium and pool deck during the Tokyo Olympics.

The IOC has previously relaxed the controversial Rule 50 which governs athlete protests at the Games so that athletes can now demonstrate when they are introduced to the crowd or leaving the call room. Podiums are banned from protest under Rule 50 and FINA has said “Athletes have the right to the privacy of the moment, to remain free of unnecessary distraction from the competition and preparation, with the pool deck remaining a sanctity for sport and nothing else. The pool deck is and must always remain a place of friendship and respect for the greater whole, not the individual. The same level of respect should be given to the podium. This moment celebrates the accomplishments of individuals/teams, their support teams, coaches, families and nations, who each and all deserve to cherish that moment without interference. It is a moment that commands respect and triumph for sporting results and should not be remembered by individual expression.”

FINA has said athletes can demonstrate in mixed zones, at press conferences, in interviews and on social media with the governing body previously warning Britain’s Duncan Scott and Australia’s Mack Horton when they refused to share a podium with China’s Sun Yang who was facing a doping charge and was later banned for the doping offence. The Athlete’s village, podium, opening and closing ceremonies are still off limits for demonstrations although many have called for a complete abolition of Rule 50.

You may also like

View All

Sport Resolutions launches refreshed strategy to support its sustainable growth and integrity in sport

Sport Resolutions is pleased to announce the launch of its refreshed company strategy, developed in response to continued growth within our organisation and the wider evolution of the sporting landscape

Read More

Prevention programmes believe ACL injuries in women’s football can be reduced by half

Prevention programmes believe training and technology could possibly resolve frequent torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) in women’s football by half or more

Read More

Sport Resolutions invites applications for the roles of Chair and Member(s) of the ITF Ethics Commission

Sport Resolutions is seeking independent individuals to serve as Chair and Member(s) of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Ethics Commission, playing a key role in upholding ethical standards and promoting good governance in international tennis

Read More

Newsletter Signup

Please enter your email address below: