USA: OLYMPICS: US Olympic chiefs say they will not muzzle athletes but will make them aware of Russian laws and "possible consequences"

Record ID: 278428

  • Title: USA: OLYMPICS: US Olympic chiefs say they will not muzzle athletes but will make them aware of Russian laws and "possible consequences"
  • Date: 2nd October 2013
  • Summary: SOCHI (RECENT) (REUTERS) FLAGS UNDER CEILING SKATING RINK
  • Embargoed: 17th October 2013 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVABRJRAU53GS6P2TZ4JNSTHO93W
  • Story Text: Russia's controversial law targeting homosexuals was addressed by U-S Olympic Committee officials on Tuesday (October 1) during a press conference in Park City, Utah, USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said he would support amending the Olympic charter to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation.

    "I think what we can do is advocate for change within our movement. So, anything that we can do within the international Olympic movement, within the U.S. Olympic movement, we want to make sure that people understand that we want all of our athletes, irrespective of any distinguishing characteristics or orientation to feel comfortable on the part of the U.S. team,"
    He and USOC Chairman Scott Blackmun also talked about why a boycott of the law is not beneficial to anyone.

    "I personally don't think there's any upside to a boycott. I think any talk about that has pretty much died down."
    The USOC made it clear it will not be taking a lead in any effort to force change in Russia or organize protests but will work quietly behind the scenes and would support an amendment to the Olympic Charter to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation.
    Under rule 50 of the IOC charter athletes are banned from using the Games as a platform to make political statements and could face expulsion for showing their support for the Russia's gay community.

    "I want to make it very clear we have not asked our athletes not to speak up," said Blackmun. "What we are doing is trying to make sure our athletes are aware of the law and aware of the possible consequences because our job first and foremost is to make sure they are safe while they are in Russia."
    The IOC has said it has received written assurances from the Russian government that the issue would not affect Games participants, including accredited people as well as Olympic spectators.
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