But while fans, politicians and Olympic organizers shower these athletes with medals, publicity and money (most athletes receive a bonus for winning a medal), many people are calling on them to use their minutes of fame to highlight China’s transgressions.
The force of just one mega-athlete or superstar is greater than one million everyday humanitarians. If Kobe Bryant or Michael Phelps ignored the “no protest” agreement they signed and called out the Chinese government for suppression of basic human rights, it would be greater than the men’s basketball team reclaiming the gold medal or Phelps surpassing Mark Spitz’s record of seven gold medals.
Last month Tommie Smith and John Carlos were honored at the ESPY Awards for their legendary fist raising at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. After being ostracized, condemned and threatened for their actions for most of their adult lives, Smith and Carlos are finally recognized for their provoking statement advocating civil rights.
How many athletes today have the courage to risk their lives to stand up for something that needs to be acknowledged on an international level?