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.

Source: International New York Times January 15, 2020 18:00 UTC